Gemelli With Summer Squash And Herby Breadcrumbs Recipes

SUMMER SQUASH GRATIN WITH PICKLED RYE BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice squash 1/4-inch thick, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt, and place in a colander set in the sink for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour, tossing occasionally with your hands. Gather the squash in a kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture.
• While the squash drains, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon pickle juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until all the butter is absorbed, transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean using a paper towel.
• Heat 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet over medium-low. Add the onions and cook, tossing occasionally, until the onions are lightly caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons pickle juice, the garlic, thyme, red-pepper flakes, pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in 2 tablespoons butter until melted.
• Add half the squash to the skillet and toss with tongs until combined. Add the rest of the squash and toss again. Add the Gruyère, along with 1/3 of the bread crumbs and toss well. Arrange into one packed layer, sprinkle with the remaining bread crumbs and bake until browned and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve hot.

GEMELLI WITH YELLOW SQUASH, PEAS, AND BASIL

Steps:

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 2 minutes less than al dente. Add squash and peas; cook until squash is crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta mixture, and return to pot.
• To mixture in pot, add butter, lemon juice, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. If needed, add enough pasta water to create a thin sauce that coats pasta. Stir in basil, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan; serve immediately.