Banana Squash And Leek Casserole Recipes

SQUASH CASSEROLE

Steps:

• For the leek crema: Using only the lower third of the leek, remove the root, cut lengthwise down, then dice. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook, steaming the leeks until very tender, about 5 minutes.
• While the leeks are steaming, slice the squash lengthwise to ¼-inch thick slices on a mandoline or with a knife, and set aside. Finish the leek crema by adding salt, then cream, and warm through.
• For the squash casserole: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 9" x 9" or 8" x 10" casserole dish with the butter by rubbing it as if you were waxing a car. Arrange the squash in a single layer in the dish. It's all right if you shingle and overlap edges minimally. This is a six-layer casserole, so allocate the ingredients accordingly. Evenly coat the first level of squash with a ladle of crema, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, a bit of thyme, a sixth of the breadcrumbs, and a sixth of the Parmigiano. Repeat these steps 5 more times, then cover the casserole with a fitted lid or foil. Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncovered for 10 more minutes or until the top becomes nice and golden brown.
• Remove casserole from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, APPLE AND LEEK GRATIN

Steps:

• In a bowl combine the 1-1/2 cups breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons melted butter and pinenuts; set aside.
• Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
• Heat 2-3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat; add in leeks and saute for about 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned.
• In a large bowl combine the cubed squash with sauteed leeks, apple, brown sugar, salt, nutmeg and black pepper; toss to combine.
• Spoon into the prepared casserole dish; pour the apple juice or apple cider over the mixture.
• Cover with foil and bake in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes.
• Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb/pine nut mixture over the top, then return to oven uncovered for another 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Delicious!