Butternut Squash Napoleons

January 22, 2025

Spicy ginger and herbaceous za’atar perfume the Japanese breadcrumbs that crust wheels of earthy, hot-from-the-fryer butternut squash, cradling cool layers of tahini and roasted vegetable–enriched hummus.

Ingredients

2 large butternut squash, peeled, cut into 1-inch-thick rounds, and seeded

¼ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Hummus of your choice

Vegetable oil, for frying

2 cups all-purpose tahini sauce

2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses

2 tablespoons Harissa

4 cups panko breadcrumbs

1 heaping tablespoon lemon pepper (or black pepper mixed with lemon zest)

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried oregano or za’atar

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 cup all-purpose flour (can use gluten-free or cornmeal)

4 large egg whites, beaten

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Preparation

“These napoleons perfectly illustrate the expression “you eat with your eyes first.” While flavor is always my top priority, presentation is essential, especially at the restaurant. This dish, a savory take on the classic French dessert of layered puff pastry and custard, is an exercise in contrast—in texture and temperature, yes, but also between cultures. Spicy ginger and herbaceous za’atar perfume the Japanese breadcrumbs that crust wheels of earthy, hot-from-the-fryer butternut squash, cradling cool layers of tahini and roasted vegetable–enriched hummus.” – Rawia Bishara

Used with permission from Levant: New Middle Eastern Cooking from Tanoreen by Rawia Bishara, photos by Con Poulos, published by Kyle Books.

Preheat the oven to 500°F.

Drizzle the squash slices with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil each, followed by an even sprinkling of the pepper, salt, and cumin. Rub to coat well on all sides. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until just tender but not browned. Set aside to cool.

Make the breading: In a shallow bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the lemon pepper, basil, oregano, ginger, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour the flour into a second shallow bowl and beat the egg whites in a third shallow bowl. Dip the squash slices in the flour and turn to evenly coat, then dip them in the egg white. Finish by coating the squash with the seasoned breadcrumbs, making sure they adhere on all sides.

Fill a large skillet with vegetable oil to a depth of ½ inch, or fill a deep fryer to a depth that will submerge the squash slices fully. Heat the oil until very hot but not smoking. Working in batches, fry the squash for 3 minutes on each side, until softened and golden brown all over. Using a slotted spoon, remove the squash from the oil and set on paper towels to drain.

Alternatively, to bake instead of frying, lightly coat the breadcrumb crust with cooking spray or oil, and cook in a 375ºF oven until golden and tender, about 30 minutes.

To make the tahini pomegranate hot sauce, whisk all ingredients together.

Assemble the napoleons: Top one squash slice with a generous scoop of hummus and a drizzle of tahini pomegranate hot sauce, top with a second squash slice, and finish with tahini sauce. Repeat with the remaining squash slices and serve immediately.