Roasted+Pumpkin+Salad

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This brilliantly colored salad — orange roasted pumpkin atop emerald-green watercress with a pesto dressing — is Natalia Machado’s homage to her mother (who loved watercress), the American seasons (the pumpkin), and the Italians (the pesto-like dressing). Ms. Machado, 32, the executive chef of [|Industria Argentina] in TriBeCa, tops off the salad with a cheese cracker, which is nothing more than a grated mound of Argentina Reggianito or Parmesan Reggiano melted in the oven until almost crisp, then scooped off and cooled. Making the crispy, lacy cheese crackers requires vigilance, or else they may burn. (Ms. Machado burns hers once a week, she said.) At Industria Argentina, the salad is sometimes eaten as a main course.

Roasted Pumpkin Salad
//Yield// 2 large or 4 small servings //Time// 1 hour Adapted from Natalia Machado, Executive Chef, Industria Argentina

For the pumpkin:

 * 12 ounces pumpkin, butternut or other winter squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1 teaspoon sugar
 * 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
 * 1 garlic clove, finely minced
 * 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the cheese crackers:

 * Vegetable oil or nonstick spray
 * 8 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or Argentino Reggianito
 * For the dressing:
 * 1 cup (lightly packed) roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
 * 1 garlic clove, peeled
 * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Argentino Reggianito
 * 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
 * 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

For assembly:

 * 3 cups watercress (large stems removed).

Method
Source: Adapted from Natalia Machado, Executive Chef, Industria Argentina
 * 1. For the pumpkin: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. On a baking sheet, toss the pumpkin with salt, sugar, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. Roast until tender and lightly browned, 15 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside; do not turn off oven.
 * 2. For the cheese crackers: While the pumpkin is roasting, prepare the cheese crackers. On a non-stick or lightly oiled cookie sheet, divide the grated Parmesan or Argentino Reggianito cheeses into four equal mounds placed about 3 inches apart. Bake until cheese has melted, turned lightly golden, and set into a cracker; watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven, and using a spatula, gently loosen crackers from the cookie sheet, and set aside on a plate. Let the crackers cool and become crisp.
 * 3. For the dressing: In a blender, combine basil, garlic, Parmesan or Argentino Reggianito, and olive oil. Process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl, and add vinegar, mixing well. Set aside.
 * 4. For assembly: In a large bowl, combine watercress and dressing, and toss until all the leaves are coated. Place equal portions on two or four plates. Top with roasted pumpkin, and garnish with cheese crackers.
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