• Healthy
• Make-Ahead
• Staff Favorite

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds
2. 8 pounds butternut squash—peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
3. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 6 large garlic cloves, minced
6. 2 large red onions, finely diced
7. 4 large scallions, coarsely chopped
8. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
9. 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
10. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
11. 3/4 cup drained canned whole tomatoes, finely diced, 1/4 cup juices reserved
12. 1/2 cup sour cream
13. 1/4 cup milk
14. 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
15. 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°. Spread the pumpkin seeds in a pie plate and toast in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and let cool. Leave the oven on. 
2. Spread the squash on 3 large rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the squash on each sheet, season with salt and pepper, toss to coat and bake the squash for 40 minutes, or until just tender and lightly browned; rotate the baking sheets for even browning. 
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and onions and cook over moderately high heat until sizzling, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, reduce the heat to moderate and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft, about 15 minutes. Add the scallions and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 12 minutes. Add the cumin, paprika and cinnamon and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices and simmer for 1 minute. Season with salt. Spoon the sauce over the squash and toss gently. 
4. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream with the milk, cilantro and lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the cilantro cream over the roasted squash, sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds and serve.

Make Ahead

The squash and cilantro cream can be refrigerated separately overnight. The toasted pumpkin seeds can be stored in an airtight container. Bring the squash to room temperature and transfer to 2 oiled baking dishes. Reheat in a 350° oven.