Moosewood Restaurant Celebrates Festive Meals for Holidays and Special Occasions Paperback - 2003

Excerpt

ROASTED SQUASH WITH CORN & BEANS

For centuries, native cultures in the Western Hemisphere survived on the interdependent cultivation of corn and beans. In the Iroquois tradition of upstate New York, corn, beans, and squash—known as the "three sisters"—were the staple source of food. Grown together, the beans wound their vines around the sturdy corn stalks and the squash leaves shaded the ground, keeping it cool, moist, and free of weeds.

At Cornell University, the department of crop and soil sciences has been cultivating a demonstration garden of corn, beans, and squash to illustrate the caloric and protein advantage of the "three sisters" compared to crops of corn, beans, or squash alone. This garden is open to schools and visitors curious to learn about indigenous cropping systems.

Serves 8
Total time: about 1 hour

5 to 6 cups butternut squash (bite-sized chunks)
2 cups coarsely chopped red onions
2 tablespoons minced or pressed garlic
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive or other vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons dried thyme (2 tablespoons fresh)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 1/2 cups frozen lima beans*
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley (optional)

*canned lima beans, rinsed and drained, are also fine.

Preheat the oven to 450°.

In a large bowl, combine the squash, red onions, garlic, and salt. Evenly coat the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of the oil and spread them on a large baking tray. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but crisp around the edges.

When the squash has baked for about 1/2 hour, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Add the sage and thyme and simmer for just 4 to 5 seconds. Stir in the corn and lima beans and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, until tender. Cover and set aside.

In a large serving bowl, toss together the roasted squash and red onions with the seasoned corn and beans. Add parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. This dish is fine to make ahead of time. Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator; then reheat just before serving.


From the Hardcover edition.