Fried Pumpkin

The original recipe called for calabaza pumpkin, whose flesh cooks to a golden-yellow color, to be cooked to tenderness in large pieces with the peel left on. For this version, the squash is peeled, cubed and sauteed with a little olive oil. Acorn squash may be substituted. The Washington Post, October 29, 2008 Adapted from a Yucatan recipe in Diana Kennedy's "The Essential Cuisines of Mexico (Clarkson Potter, 2000) Tested by Bonnie S. Benwick for The Washington Post. "MAKE AHEAD: The cooked vegetable mixture can be frozen (without the cheese) for 1 month. Serve spoonfuls of the vegetarian mixture on small, crisp tostadas with a sprinkling of cheese."

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Yields: 5 cups

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup olive oil (do not use extra-virgin)
• 2  lbs calabaza squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (see headnote, may substitute acorn squash)
• 1  white onions, finely chopped or 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup  chopped  white onion
• 1  medium green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces
• 12  ounces  vine-ripened tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 2  teaspoons  minced habanero peppers
•  sea salt
• 1  small  tostadas, for serving
• 1⁄3 cup  finely grated dry queso anejo or 1⁄3 cup romano cheese

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the cubed squash and toss to coat; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes; the pumpkin will still be slightly firm.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes and minced habanero chili pepper to taste, stirring to combine. Add salt to taste and cook, stirring occasionally to make sure the mixture isn't sticking and is still a little juicy, for about 8 minutes; taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The onion and bell pepper will still have a slight crunch, and the mixture should be shiny.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, adding oil as needed to keep the mixture moist. Remove from the heat and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. When ready to serve, place spoonfuls of the mixture on small tostadas. Sprinkle with the cheese.