Recipe: Risotto­ Stuffed Sweet Dumpling Squash

A La Kocinera Original Recipe

Risotto­ Stuffed Sweet Dumpling Squash 
A La Kocinera Original Recipe

4 dumpling squash
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup chopped pancetta
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 portobello mushroom, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 bunch asparagus, woody stems removed and cut into 1 ­inch pieces
1 1/2 cups prepared basic risotto
1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
pinch cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
 
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with nonstick spray.
Cut the tops off the squashes and, using a spoon, scoop out all of the seeds (you may need to remove a bit of the flesh at the top to reach them all).
Place the squash, bottoms and tops, in the baking dish and brush with 2 tablespoons olive oil, inside and out, sprinkling with 1 teaspoon salt. 
Place the squashes in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, until fork tender, but not mushy. 
Set aside.
In a shallow, heavy­bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. 
Add the pancetta, garlic, and onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
Add the mushroom and asparagus, cooking until tender.
Finally, add the prepared risotto, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
Taste and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Divide the risotto mixture evenly between the four squashes, packing it inside the hollowed­ out
centers. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. 
Top each squash with the breadcrumb mixture and dot with pieces of the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Place the filled squashes in the oven again and bake for 10­12 minutes, until the everything is
warmed up and the topping is golden brown.  
Serve warm.

Posted: to Recipes on Tue, Nov 6, 2012
Updated: Sun, Feb 24, 2013

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