- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt
- 1 lemon
- 1 large delicata squash
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or granulated sugar optional
- 16 ounces Mafaldine pasta or use linguine
- .75 ounces fresh basil thinly sliced, a few leaves reserved for garnish
- Salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste
Prepare the lemon and delicata squash:
Cook the squash:
Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the squash slices in an even layer. Season all over with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 5 minutes until golden brown.
Flip and season again with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown. The squash should be fork-tender. Don’t be afraid to crank the heat during the last minute or so of cooking to get those nice caramelized edges. Remove the squash from the pot and transfer it to a plate.
Finish the sauce:
Drain off excess oil from the pot used to cook the squash. Add the lemon juice, plant-based butter, and maple syrup if using. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 5–6 minutes until it begins to reduce and thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Pour in 1½ cups of the pasta cooking water and bring to a boil. Add the sliced basil and the drained pasta and cook, tossing regularly, until the sauce is thickened and the pasta is al dente, about 3 minutes. If needed, add the remaining ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
Gently add the cooked squash and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to break up the squash too much. Taste and season once more to your preferences.
Calories: 605kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 81mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 29mg