I love working with the element of fire when roasting squash. The little blackened pieces are a great contrast to their sweet, buttery flavors and everything looks so rustic when finished. So, when I saw Beatrice Valenzuela share photos preparing squash in her Instagram stories, I asked if she would like to share her process for my readers. She said YES!
So, thank you Beatrice for your recipe contribution and photos! All of the dishes she shares in her Instagram stories look so organic and luscious! She’s a wonderful storyteller with all that she does and I love that she lets us sit virtually at her dinner table. For her squash recipe I asked Beatrice if she used a fire pit or a barbecue, and she said she used a fire pit. I no longer have a fire pit–so, I will be putting my little barbecue back to work very soon!
INGREDIENTS + METHOD
Serves 4 - 6
Winter squash, about 2 lbs.
Beatrice said she used spaghetti squash, but as she mentions below, you can use any squash variety. Some readily available winter squash includes, kabocha, red kuri, acorn, delicata, and sugar pumpkin.
“You may char any and all squash varieties available to you.
Get your coals to an ardent red glow. While you’re already cooking something on the grill, insert your squash below, directly onto the coals. Keep an eye out and turn as each side needs it. Cooking time will depend depending on the size of your squash. You want to be sure to get a good, fully blackened exterior.
Once the squash is beautifully charred, remove each piece carefully with tongs from the coals, and place on a cutting board.
Cut in half and encourage your guests to spoon out their desired amount of the inner flesh.
Serve with a triple cream cheese, drizzle of local honey and herbed salt to taste.”
Beatrice Valenzuela is a visual artist and designer based in Los Angeles, California. Her eponymous line of shoes, clothing and accessories are a direct reflection of her uniquely visceral and sensual perception of the surrounding world. With a spirited passion for travel, family, and cuisine, Beatrice Valenzuela intends to emulate the essence of vitality, beauty and simplicity in all of her collections, akin to the feelings experienced in life's most exquisite of moments. Her design studio can be found in the vibrant neighborhood of Echo Park, located in Los Angeles. You can see her creative work here.