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Butternut Squash and Greens Kuku (Persian Egg Bake) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Butternut Squash and Greens Kuku (Persian Egg Bake)

Meet Kuku, a stunning Persian egg dish packed with greens. Our version pairs sweet butternut squash with earthy kale and spinach, brightened with lemon zest and feta. A one-pan, gluten-free wonder perfect for brunch, lunch, or as an appetizer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 256

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbs. olive oil, divided
  • 8 oz (226.8 g) / 2 cups butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium leek, thinly sliced
  • 5 oz (141.8 g) / 5 cups baby kale
  • 5 oz (141.8 g) / 5 cups baby spinach
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 Tbs. grated lemon zest
  • 3 Tbs. crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for sprinkling
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Use a well-seasoned cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet to go seamlessly from stovetop to oven. This creates a beautiful crust.
  • Feel free to swap the greens! Swiss chard or beet greens would also be delicious. For extra flavor, add a pinch of turmeric or a ½ teaspoon of ground cumin to the eggs.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the butternut squash, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium, add the sliced leek, and cook for another 4 minutes.
  5. Add the kale and spinach to the skillet in batches.
  6. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes until all the greens are completely wilted.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the lemon zest and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  8. Pour the egg mixture over the wilted greens in the skillet.
  9. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 2 minutes, using a spatula to gently move the vegetables around so the egg is evenly distributed and just begins to set at the bottom.
  10. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top of the kuku.
  11. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and just cooked through. Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before sliding it onto a platter.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro, cut into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.
  13. After wilting the spinach and kale, squeeze out any excess water before adding the eggs. This is the key to preventing a soggy kuku.
  14. Keep a close eye on the kuku in the oven. Pull it out when the center is just set (a slight wobble is okay) to ensure a tender, not rubbery, texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 17gFat: 15g

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