Roasted Winter Squash with Kale Pipian

A hearty winter dish featuring roasted mixed squash served with a vibrant green sauce made from pumpkin seeds, kale, and tomatillos. The pipian sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor while charred serranos provide a subtle heat.

6 servings
1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), divided
  • 3 lb mixed winter squash pieces
  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • ¼ whole white onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 8 oz tomatillos
  • 1 bunch Tuscan kale
  • 2 whole serrano chiles
  • 1 to taste Flaky sea salt
  • 1 to serve Cilantro leaves and lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet until lightly browned, 6-8 minutes. Let cool.

    8 min

  2. 2.

    Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Toss squash pieces and oil on another rimmed baking sheet to coat; season with kosher salt. Roast, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender, 30-40 minutes.

    40 min

  3. 3.

    Bring onion, garlic, tomatillos, and 2 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high. Cook until tomatillos are almost tender, about 5 minutes. Add kale and cook just until wilted and bright green, about 1 minute. Let onion mixture cool in pan until warm.

    6 min

  4. 4.

    Char chiles over the flame of a gas burner, turning occasionally, until blackened and slightly softened, about 1 minute (or, arrange chiles on a rimmed baking sheet and use broiler).

    1 min

  5. 5.

    Transfer onion mixture to a blender with a slotted spoon; reserve liquid. Add charred chiles and 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds to blender and purée, adding reserved liquid as needed to get things moving, until a smooth, pourable sauce forms. Season pipian with kosher salt.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Divide squash among plates. Drizzle with pipian and sprinkle with sea salt. Top with remaining 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

    5 min