Chickpea and Butternut Squash Fritters with Field Greens

Butternut squash and chickpeas are the perfect combination for this vegetarian entrée. Legumes like chickpeas pack protein and the B vitamin folate, and winter squash is rich in carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals. Both are also rich in fiber, which has been shown to support growth of health-promoting bacteria in the gut and reduce risk for colorectal cancer. Plus, these healthy fritters are lightly sautéed instead of deep-fat fried, cutting down on calories and fat.

Makes 4 (three fritters each) servings.

Per serving: 400 calories, 18 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 47 g carbohydrate, 17 g protein, 10 g dietary fiber, 392 mg sodium.

Ingredients

1. 2 cups (10 oz.) cubed butternut squash
2. 1 can (15.5 oz.) chickpeas, drained
3. 3 Tbsp. whole-wheat flour
4. 1 large egg
5. 4 scallions, coarsely chopped
6. 1 large clove garlic, minced
7. 2 tsp. chopped fresh sage leaves
8. 1/4 tsp. cumin
9. 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
10. Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
11. 2 Tbsp. canola oil or extra virgin olive oil, divided
12. 8 cups field greens (5 oz. pkg.)
13. 1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted skinless hazelnuts

Yogurt Dill Sauce

1. 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
2. 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill
3. 1 clove garlic, minced
4. 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
5. 1 tsp. lemon juice
6. Salt and freshly ground white or black pepper

Salad Dressing

1. 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2. 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

For Yogurt Dill Sauce, in small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into small serving bowl and set aside.

For Salad Dressing, in small bowl, combine lemon juice and oil, season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.

For Chickpea and Butternut Squash Fritters, in large saucepan with a steamer basket, steam squash until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer squash to food processor. Add chickpeas, flour, egg, scallions, garlic, sage, cumin and pepper flakes. Pulse until blended yet slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently drop six scant 1/4-cup portions of mixture into pan and gently press into round patties with back of measuring cup or spatula. Don’t over crowd skillet. Sauté fritters until golden brown on bottom, about 3-4 minutes. Heat may need to be adjusted for optimal browning. Carefully turn over each fritter and sauté until other side is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer fritters to plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Use remaining oil to sauté remaining six fritters. There should be 12 fritters in total.

In large bowl, add salad greens. Stir salad dressing and pour over greens. Add hazelnuts and gently toss together.

Arrange greens on large serving platter or four individual dinner plates. Arrange all fritters on top of greens if serving on platter or 3 fritters on each individual plate. Serve with Yogurt Dill Dressing on the side or drizzle on fritters and serve.