Summer Squash with Honey

Recipe Author: Conne Ward Cameron

Cook pasta according to package directions. When drained, return to pot and add 2 tablespoons olive oil.  Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, shaking occasionally, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, and chop. Add to pasta. Return skillet to medium-high heat, and add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and squash. Cook Read More…

Ingredients:

1 pound short, tubular pasta, such as rigatoni or penne Salt 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling, divided 1/2 cup whole raw almonds 1 pound summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar 2 jalapeno chiles, ribs and seeds removed if desired, finely chopped Freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme

Preparation:

Cook pasta according to package directions. When drained, return to pot and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. 

Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, shaking occasionally, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, and chop. Add to pasta. Return skillet to medium-high heat, and add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and squash. Cook until squash is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir, and continue to cook, turning occasionally, until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes more. Add to pasta mixture. 

Return skillet to medium heat, and add honey. Bring to a simmer and stir. Add vinegar and jalapenos. Cook until mixture is reduced by half but still slightly runny, about 1 minute. Pour over pasta mixture, and toss. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with oil. Stir in mint, cilantro, and thyme. Serve immediately, or refrigerate up to 4 hours and serve at room temperature.