HoneyCrisp Apple and Butternut Squash Salad with Whipped Ricotta, Zhoug, and Pomegranate

Recipe by Jonathan Hancock, Executive Chef at Richland Country Club, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium Butternut Squash (peeled and medium diced)
• 2 cups Whipped Ricotta (see recipe)
• 2 Honeycrisp Apples (cored and sliced)
• 1 Pomegranate (seeds only)
• ¼ cup Zhoug (recipe follows)
• 1 bunch Cilantro
• 1 bunch Mint
• 1 cup Pumpkin Seeds (toasted)
• 1 head Radicchio (chiffonade)
• EVOO (to taste)
• 1 Lemon
• Kosher Salt (to taste)

Whipped Ricotta

• 1 gallon Whole Milk
• 1 quart Full-fat Buttermilk
• ¼ cup White Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
• 2 cups 40% Heavy Cream plus 1 cup reserved for later

Zhoug

• 4 Jalapeno Peppers (seeded and chopped)
• 2 cups Cilantro (rough chopped)
• 1 clove Garlic
• ½ Tablespoon Black Pepper
• 2 ½ Tablespoons Ground Cumin
• ½ cup Pumpkin Seeds (toasted)
• 1 ½ Tablespoons Sugar
• 4 Tablespoons Sherry Vinegar
• 2 Limes (juiced and zest)
• ½ cup EVOO

Preparation

Whipped Ricotta

Combine all of the ingredients except the heavy cream in a heavy bottom pot. Bring to a dull simmer and remove from heat. Let stand for 15 minutes. 
Skim the curds from the top into a colander lined with cheesecloth and allow to drain for 30 minutes at room temperature. Once the ricotta has drained for 30 minutes, scoop the curds, in batches, into a food processor with just enough of the reserved cream to blend to a smooth consistency.

Zhoug

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend to a pesto-like consistency.

Final Preparation and Assembly

Lightly toss the butternut squash with olive oil and salt in a roasting pan and roast in a 400°F oven until lightly caramelized, Chef Note: This should be just cooked-about 15 minutes. 
While the squash is cooling, divide the whipped ricotta between the four plates and spread into a thick layer. 
Toss the warm squash with the zhoug and radicchio and divide amongst the plates on top of the ricotta. 
Garnish with slices of Honeycrisp apple, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, and picked herbs.
Drizzle with EVOO and a squeeze of lemon.


Wine Match

2017 Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc

Richland Country Club, Nashville, Tennessee. Image courtesy Richland Country Club.