Japanese Style Steamed and Stuffed Squash with Mushroom Sauce

Japanese Style Steamed and Stuffed Squash by wanwu73 on Polyvore

 Ingredients:

1 acorn squash, or similar size 

 Stuffing:

1 cup shredded kale

1/2 LB umami pate

1 TB sake

1 TB mirin

1/2 tsp grated ginger

1 TB soy sauce

1/4 tsp sesame oil

1/4 tsp brown sugar

Mushroom Sauce:

1/3 cup sliced and dried shiitake mushrooms

1/3 cup warm water

1 and 1/2 cups mellow umami broth

2 tsp brown sugar

1 TB sake

1 and 1/2 TB cornstarch

1/2 tsp sesame oil

Directions:

1. Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds.
2. Prepare filling.
3. Mound half the filling into each squash half.
4. In a deep pot bring about a quart of water to a boil.
5. Place stuffed squash in steamed and cover.  Place over boiling water.
6. Steam about 1/2 an hour or until tender.
7. While squash is steaming, prepare Mushroom Sauce.
8. Place mushrooms in a small bowl, add warm water and soak 30 minutes.
9. Squeeze mushrooms dry, an d reserve the liquid.
10. In a small saucepan, combine mellow umami broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sake over medium-high heat.
11. In a small bowl, blend cornstarch and mushroom soaking liquid.
12. Stir into sauce.
13. Cook until thick, stirring constantly.
14. Stir in sesame oil and sliced mushroom.
15. Place 1/2 squash on each serving plate.
16. Serve with mushroom sauce. 

 Makes 2 servings