Lunch: Pumpkin Gruyère Gratin with Thyme

Recipe by Susan Spungen, author of What's a Hostess to Do? Any kind of firm, sweet pumpkin or squash can be used for this recipe. If you want a shortcut, you can buy pre-cubed butternut squash. Just make sure the surface of the squash looks fresh and moi

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon butter
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
One 3 1/2-pound sugar pumpkin, kabocha, or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 9 cups)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, stems reserved
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
Pinch cayenne pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 1/2 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (1 heaping cup)
1/3 cup Japanese-style breadcrumbs (panko)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 °F. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and butter. Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until softened and starting to brown, 8 to 10 minutes, tossing occasionally. Transfer to a 3-quart gratin dish and add pumpkin, thyme leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper and toss to combine. Roast until squash is soft, tossing halfway through, about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine cream, reserved thyme stems, garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, cayenne, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer, whisk in cornstarch, and cook for 1 minute. Turn off heat, cover, and let steep about 30 minutes.
Once squash is tender, remove thyme stems from cream mixture and pour cream over squash. Sprinkle with cheese and then breadcrumbs. Return to oven and cook until cream is bubbling, 5 to 7 minutes. Broil until top is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

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