Balsamic Roasted Winter Squash and Wild Rice Salad
- 1 cup wild rice - 3 1/2 cups stock (chicken or vegetable) - Salt to taste - 2 pounds kabocha or butternut squash, peeled and cut in a small dice (about 3 cups peeled and diced) - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (more to taste)	- 1 garlic clove, minced or puréed - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 3 tablespoons walnut oil, or substitute extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, chives or rosemary - 1/2 cup diced celery - 6 ounces of either arugula, spinach or red leaf lettuce
1. Rinse the wild rice. Bring the water or stock to a boil in a medium saucepan, add salt to taste and the rice. Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 45 minutes, until the rice is tender and has begun to splay. Drain through a strainer, return to the pot and cover the pot with a clean dishtowel. Return the lid to the pot and let sit for 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the squash in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat. 3. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, salt to taste and mustard. Whisk in the remaining olive oil and the walnut oil. 4. Combine the wild rice, squash, herbs and celery in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste. Line a platter, individual plates or a wide salad bowl with the baby spinach/arugula/leaf lettuce. Top with the salad and serve.