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Chinese · Side

Charred Squash Pilaf

Our tested Charred Squash Pilaf: five-spice, generous, and balanced with sweet and sour. Serves 6 people with plenty to go around.

4.7 from 1,808 cooks
Prep30 min
Cook12 min
Serves6
LevelMedium
Free to cook
Charred Squash Pilaf
Method

How to cook it

Prep everything first: chop the aromatics, measure the sweet and sour elements, and pat the squash dry so it colours well.

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat and soften the onion and garlic until sweet and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the butternut squash and char until it takes on colour and the edges catch, 4 to 6 minutes.

Stir in the black vinegar and the rest of the sweet and sour flavours, letting them cook out for a minute until fragrant.

Add the green beans along with a splash of stock or water, then cook briskly until everything is tender and the sauce clings.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and a little acid. It should taste bright, savoury and balanced.

Finish with the chopped coriander and serve while hot.

Tested in the Stewart & Musell kitchen. Timings assume a standard home oven and hob.

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