Butternut Squash with Spinach, Raisins, and Pine Nuts

Elegant yet comforting, this side dish has layers of flavor thanks to the earthy-sweet squash and raisins, the fresh spinach, and the rich salty toasty top notes from the cheese and nuts.

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  2 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


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  1 small lemon, finely grated to yield 1/2 tsp. zest and squeezed to yield 2 tsp. juice
  
  


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  2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


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  1-3/4 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 4 cups)
  
  


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  Kosher salt
  
  


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  1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  
  


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  1/4 cup raisins
  
  


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  5 oz. mature spinach leaves, thick stems removed (about 5 packed cups)
  
  


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  1 oz. coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1/4 cup)
  
  


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  2 Tbs. toasted pine nuts
  
  

Melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the milk solids turn light brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the lemon zest and juice, and swirl to combine.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the squash and 1/2 tsp. salt; toss well to coat.

Cover the pan with the lid ajar by about 1 inch. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to brown, 5 to 6 minutes. As the mixture cooks, you should hear a gentle sizzle.

Turn the heat down to low, add the onions and raisins and cook, stirring occasionally and then gently pushing the vegetables back into a single layer so that most have direct contact with the pan, until the vegetables are tender and browned, 12 to 15 minutes more.

Add the spinach and lemon butter and toss gently until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and pine nuts. Season to taste with salt. Serve right away or let sit off the heat, partially covered, until ready to serve, and then reheat gently over medium-low heat.