Calabaza Squash with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts Recipe

Calabaza Squash with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts Recipe

  • 2 cups pecan, hickory or other wood chips
  • 2 pounds calabaza squash, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
  • 14 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup chives, coarsely chopped
  1. Fire up a charcoal or gas grill or preheat the oven to 400. Soak the wood chips in a large bowl of water for 30 minutes; drain. When the charcoal grill is ready, toss the chips directly onto the coals. if using a gas grill or oven, enclose the chips in a foil pouch and poke holes in the foil; place the pouch on the gas grill flame or on the oven floor.
  2. On a baking sheet, toss the squash with 1/4 cup vegetable oil and spread out in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Smoke and roast the squash on the grill or in the oven until tender when pierced with a fork, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, vinegar, honey, garlic and shallot. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
  4. In a medium bowl, toss together the squash, pine nuts, raisins and vinaigrette until combined. Add the chives and more salt and pepper to taste.