Roasted Squash, Chestnut, and Chicory Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for greasing
- 1 2-pound acorn squash
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup peeled cooked whole chestnuts (from a 7- to 8-oince jar), cut into thirds
- 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices pancetta (6 ounce total), cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 3/4 pound chicory (curly endive), trimmed and torn into 2-inch pieces (10 cups)
- Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450F.
- Line a large shallow baking pan with foil and oil generously with olive oil.
- Cut off stem end of squash, then put cut side down and halve lengthwise.
- Discard seeds, then cut squash into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
- Peel if desired with a paring knife and transfer slices to a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and gently toss to coat.
- Arrange in 1 layer in lined baking pan and roast until golden, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and turn squash over with a spatula.
- Add chestnuts to pan in an even layer, then continue to roast until squash is golden and tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Keep warm, covered with foil.
- While squash is roasting, cook pancetta in a dry 10-inch heavy skillet over high heat until browned, about 4 minutes total.
- Transfer pancetta with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, reserving fat in skillet.
- Reheat pancetta fat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then add cranberries and brown sugar and stir once to combine.
- Remove from heat and add water, stirring and scraping up brown bits from bottom of skillet.
- Transfer cranberry mixture to a medium bowl and whisk in mustard, remaining tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Toss together chicory, roasted acorn squash, and chestnuts.
- Just before serving, toss with dressing and sprinkle with pancetta.
extravirgin olive oil, acorn, salt, black pepper, chestnuts, pancetta, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, water, wholegrain mustard, chicory
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/roasted-squash-chestnut-and-chicory-salad-with-cranberry-vinaigrette-230967 (may not work)