Stuffed Delicata Squash with Wild Rice, Brown Butter and Sage

1 ½ cups wild rice
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
6 delicata squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon dried ground fennel
½ teaspoon fresh or dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried chili powder
1 shallot
3 cloves garlic
2 carrots
1 bunch kale
10 leaves sage
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh ground black pepper
¼ cup roasted salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Directions

In a medium pot, combine 1 ½ cups wild rice, 3 ½ cups water, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Let sit for 10 minutes before draining any extra liquid.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Wash the squash, then cut each in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Rub each squash lightly with olive oil on both sides (about ½ tablespoon per squash), then lightly sprinkle with a pinch each of ground fennel, oregano, and chili powder, and kosher salt.

Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until tender when poked with a fork.

Mince the shallot and 3 cloves garlic. Cut 2 carrots into ¼-inch pieces. Remove the stems from the kale and chop it into thin strips. Thinly slice the sage.

Melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat and stir constantly until it becomes brown, a few minutes. Once browned, lower the heat to medium and immediately add carrot, shallot and garlic; sauté until the carrot is soft, about 10 minutes. Add the sage and kale and sasautéute 2 more minutes. 

Add the rice and ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon kosher salt and plenty of fresh ground black pepper. Remove from heat and spoon the rice mixture into the wells in the squash. Top with roasted pepitas.