Thursday, April 16, 2009

Jicama & Butternut Salad

**Sorry for the repost, but I added a bit about jicama since so many of you asked! See the bottom of the post**

Well, I have been so busy I've been doing very little cooking :( All these ideas floating in my head for brie and herbs, and no time to implement them! Mom even had everything all set for Easter, all I got to do was throw together a mousse parfait for dessert :) I'm not complaining, and it was Easter bunny-approved!


This was really simple--I took the cupboard shortcut of some boxed mix (strawberry and lemon mousse) and fruit in the fridge (mom stocked up, she knows me so well!!) to create a nice dessert for our dinner. I crumbled up a gingersnap on top for a little crunch.

Right, so you're wondering about the title of the post?!? I did have a chance to throw something together that was fun and exciting... A combination of textures and flavors that really seemed to come together. I combined some maple, chipotle-roasted butternut squash with crisp jicama, then topped it with some roasted pecans and dried fruit. Yum!


Jicama & Butternut Salad
Recipe by Shannon



1 small jicama, cut into matchsticks
bulbous end of a butternut squash
maple syrup
cayenne pepper
salt
1-2T chopped toasted pecans
~2T dried cranberries (I had a mix with dried cranberries, cherries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries and boysenberries--from Trader Joe's)

Preheat oven to 450degrees.

Cut butternut squash into half rounds and toss with enough maple syrup to coat (I didn't measure but it was prob ~2T for a big squash). Season with salt and cayenne pepper (use your judgement for amounts on this one!). Roast at 450degrees until nice and roasted, flipping after ~15min or so.

Combine jicama and roasted butternut on a plate, then top with toasted pecans and dried cranberries. Dig in!


Sorry for the lack of accurate measurements, but I was just flying by the seat of my pants! I am SO happy that tomorrow is Friday, anyone with me??


What is jicama you asked? It goes by Mexican potato or turnip, but I can assure you it tastes nothing like a turnip! Jicama is the edible root of a poisonous vine called yam bean (which the root can also be referred to). Nutritionally speaking, it's a great source of fiber, Vitamin C, and water (it's 85-90% water). Jicama is mildly sweet (from inulin) but doesn't have an overpowering flavor. Crisp and crunchy, it is great to much on its own or to use in salads... I have yet to try it cooked though!

Other jicama recipes I've featured
Jicama Fall Slaw
Shrimp, Jicama & Mango Salad
Grilled Corn, JIcama & Mango Salad

26 comments:

Sharon said...

Oh yes, super excited about Friday!
And awh, that easter bunny is too cute. Thanks for sharing such a delicious salad recipe!

Ricki said...

I've never tried jicama, but now I know what I'll be using it in when I do! Sounds great.

HangryPants said...

What is a jicama?

Dewi said...

Oh I love Jicama, when I was growing up we use to this pickled or in salad. It's a bit different from what you have here, though it also contain chile in it. It's common afternoon snack kind of thing.
This is delicious tffn!
Cheers,
elra

Anonymous said...

that's a gorgeous looking parfait! i honestly have not come across a jicama.....no idea what it is, even though i've heard the name a few times.

Erica said...

Totally thrilled that its Friday!I love your Easter dessert! Fresh fruit and yogurt or custard is one of my favorite desserts!

Balance, Joy and Delicias! said...

I had no idea what's Jicama it is, had to wiki to know. hahaha....
Friday is so exciting!!

Lauren said...

This salad sounds great, Shannon! Jicama has such a wonderful crunch factor and dried cranberries go so well with butternut squash. Yum!

YAY for Friday!

Elina said...

Haha, love that bunny pic...and that salad sounds awesome.
It was great hanging out with you last night! See you in a few weeks :)

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

LOOOOOVELY parfait and salad!!

Meg said...

What a great idea to pair butternut and jicama together! Looks tasty!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info on jicama! I've had it but haven't yet cooked with it at home.

ChocolateCoveredVegan said...

Aww the bunny's so cute :)

Loooove b-nut squash!

Steph (I am Bee) said...

that salad looks so good and the combination of flavors sound great together!

Unknown said...

Had a lot of fun last night! Let me know how Sat night goes and I'll see you in a couple weeks (If I survive the 10K...)!!

Jess said...

That dessert looks much healthier than the one I ate on Easter. :)

Heather said...

i've never cooked with jicama, although i've been intrigued by it since richard used it to make soft tacos on top chef. this sounds yummy!

Sagan said...

Sounds great! I've never had jicama before but I'd love to try it.

Recipe man said...

look so good.
Butternut i have and i love
cant say i tried Jicama. always happy to be introduced to new products

thanks

Joanne said...

I have never had jicama...where did you find it? I LOVE butternut squash so I will have to try this.

Anonymous said...

ooo! the jicama and butternut squash dish sound amazing! i love the crunch of jicama...and sheesh, now I just realized it's been ages since I've had it!

beautiful!

Maria said...

I love jicama!! I must try that salad!

MizFit said...

love my jicama and yet have NEVER offered it to the Toddler!

Thanks for the repostreminder.

Fit Mommy said...

Thanks. Incredibly new to jicama. Need to check it out.

Kerstin said...

I love butternut squash but have never had jicama, so I'll have to check it out - thanks for adding the info about it at the end :)

Erica said...

I just bought a jicama! I had it the other night for the first time and love it! I remembered you had some recipes up so I came here to find a good one ;)

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