Winter Squash Salsa
I usually have some homemade canned salsa in my basement to use at will. Nothing fancy-just good.(My favorite go-to is from the Ball Blue Book – Zesty Salsa)
I just ran out.
No fresh tomatoes in sight.
But I love to use what I have and make something useful (delicious and beautiful). I have attempted to make salsa out of New England winter ingredients. (Okay so you would have to have a pot of cilantro growing on your windowsill or greenhouse and canned green chilis…)
I have first roasted the grated squash in a very hot oven (to develop its sweetness) and then combined it with chopped veggies, seasonings and apple cider vinegar.
The result is a hearty, flavorful salsa that is great with chips, homemade burritos and also scrambled eggs and vegetables, rice and beans, wraps…
And was made with things easily on hand.
Please note that this is not a recipe to be canned!
Winter Squash Salsa
Makes 3 1/2 cups
Prep and cook time total is 30 minutes
4 cups grated (food processor) butternut squash
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup red onion – small dice
2 cloves garlic – minced
1/4 cup cilantro – chopped
2 scallions- chopped
1/4 cup canned green chilis – chopped (Got organic at the local natural food store.)
1/4 to 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (start with 1/4 and add more if desired- it will depend on how sweet the squash is.)
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. sea salt
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. (If you have anything else to heat or cook pop it in.)
Peel and grate squash (large grate). Oil a baking dish with all the olive oil. Add squash and 1/4 tsp. sea salt. Mix the salt and squash and oil in pan with your hands.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the squash falls apart when stirred and is cooked but not mushy. While squash is cooking prepare remaining ingredients and add together in a bowl.
As soon as the hot squash comes out of the oven add everything else and stir.
Store in jar in the refrigerator. This will keep for 2 weeks.
(Please note this is not a canning recipe.)
Serve with chips, burritos, eggs, hot rice, avocado toast…
