Pickled Fried Butternut Squash
Photo: Brown Cannon III
In Northern Italy, the quick pickling technique called carpione is traditionally used to preserve fish but works with any firm-fleshed seasonal vegetable, says Bronwen Hanna-Korpi, Belcampo's butcher shop and restaurant manager. She also likes to cook zucchini and even pork cutlets this way.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Put vinegar, salt, sugar, and 3 cups water in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until salt and sugar dissolve. Let cool.
Step 2
2
Peel squash with a vegetable peeler. Cut in quarters crosswise and scrape out seeds. Cut quarters in half, then into 1/4-in.-wide slices. Cut in half again.
Step 3
3
Pour enough oil into a large deep pot to come at least 3/4 in. up sides; heat to 325° on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry squash in batches, turning often, until tender and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Fry sage until crisp, about 45 seconds; drain. Fry garlic until golden, 1 to 2 minutes; drain. Save oil for another use.
Step 4
4
Layer squash into a terrine or glass loaf pan (at least 1 1/2-qt. size). Top with garlic and sage and pour in enough cooled brine to cover by 1/2 in. Chill at least 1 hour.
Step 5
5
Make ahead: Up to 1 day, chilled.
Ingredients
1 cup clear, filtered apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
6 tablespoons sugar
1 small butternut squash (about 2 1/2 lbs.)
Olive oil for frying
20 to 30 fresh sage leaves
10 to 12 garlic cloves, peeled
Directions
Step 1
1
Put vinegar, salt, sugar, and 3 cups water in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until salt and sugar dissolve. Let cool.
Step 2
2
Peel squash with a vegetable peeler. Cut in quarters crosswise and scrape out seeds. Cut quarters in half, then into 1/4-in.-wide slices. Cut in half again.
Step 3
3
Pour enough oil into a large deep pot to come at least 3/4 in. up sides; heat to 325° on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry squash in batches, turning often, until tender and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Fry sage until crisp, about 45 seconds; drain. Fry garlic until golden, 1 to 2 minutes; drain. Save oil for another use.
Step 4
4
Layer squash into a terrine or glass loaf pan (at least 1 1/2-qt. size). Top with garlic and sage and pour in enough cooled brine to cover by 1/2 in. Chill at least 1 hour.
Step 5
5
Make ahead: Up to 1 day, chilled.
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