Roasted Squash With Coconut, Chile and Garlic

Step 1

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, and heat the oven to 400. Wash, slice and seed the squash, cutting it into approximately 1/2-inch-thick rings and wedges. Arrange on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil and season with salt. Roast for 30 to 45 minutes, turning the pieces about halfway through, until the squash is tender and slightly browned in places.

Step 2

In the meantime, put the chiles in a bowl, and cover with very hot water so they soften for about 2 minutes, or longer. In a mortar and pestle or a small food processor, add the coconut and garlic. Grind until the garlic is completely broken down, then fish the chiles out of the water, and add them. Grind, until the chiles are in small but still-visible red pieces.

Step 3

In a sauté pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. When it is hot, add mustard seeds and curry leaves, if using. When seeds start to pop, add coconut-chile-garlic mixture, and stir well. Cook for about 1 minute, or less if the paste is very dry and starts to brown quickly, then remove from heat. Toss the warm roasted squash into the coconut mixture, along with a generous squeeze of lemon. Taste a piece for salt and lemon, adjust as needed and serve.