hot salad & other stories: squash + potatoes

(Archive from October 28, 2022) Last week my CSA gave me a bunch of end-of-summer greens, a butternut squash, and potatoes. I cubed and roasted the butternut almost immediately, knowing that I’d be more likely to use it if it was roasted and in the fridge rather than whole and on the counter. I put the roasted squash in salad, eggs, and this tortilla espanola. A few years back I learned that some people are allergic to an enzyme in butternut (and acorn) squash. After peeling the squash, wash your hands well. If they start to get super dry and peely… it’s not comfortable but not permanent either. Lotion up and wait it out!
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TORTILLA ESPANOLA with BUTTERNUT SQUASH
3–4 medium potatoes
10 eggs
A splash of milk (optional)
2 tsp dried sage
1/2 cup parmesan, divided
1/2 butternut squash, cubed and roasted
Salt and pepper
A few tablespoons of butter

- Start a large pot of water to boil. Wash and slice the potatoes about 1/8th inch thick–I used a mandolin but by-hand works too. Add the potatoes, and cook until al dente (they should be tender but still have a little crunch). Drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (if using), half the parmesan, and sage. Add the butternut squash, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the potatoes, and stir gently to coat.
- Heat a large cast iron or other oven safe pan on medium heat. Melt a few tablespoons of butter. When hot, add the potato and egg mixture.
- Cook, covered, until it’s mostly cooked through. Reduce the heat if the edges appear to brown faster than the middle starts to cook.
- Heat your broiler on low, and slide the pan in. Cook, uncovered, until the middle no longer wobbles. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top, and place back in the oven. Broil on high until the cheese is crispy.
- Let cool, slice, and enjoy!

OTHER STORIES
Pickle Pizza: Hear me out. I was watching Chef’s Table: Pizza episodes and took inspiration from a pizza place in Minnesota: cheese, pickles (I made them!) and olive oil is cooked on the crust. After it comes out of the pizza oven, add crushed chips and fresh dill. 10/10 delicious and strange, it was really excellent.

Bugs n Brews: I went to an event earlier this week called “Bugs n Brews,” a fly fishing fly tying event held at a local brewery and put on by my favorite fly fishing shop. We learned to tie flies shaped like worms and midges while drinking IPAs and sour beers. I love events like this that are a combination of some of my favorite hobbies. I’ll definitely be going back to learn how to tie more fly patterns!
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Goldfish are the best car trip snack, change my mind. Extra points for whole wheat Goldfish.