Was wondering what to do with the packet of puff pastry that has been residing happily in my freezer for some weeks now, especially as I feel it had rather overstayed its welcome. This simple recipe was the solution – as well as a rather delish lunch for Husband and I at the weekend.

Butternut Ricotta Tart with Fiery Rocket 

Ingredients serves 4

1 butternut squash (about 600g), peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
250g tub ricotta
a few sage leaves, finely chopped
good grating of nutmeg
zest and juice ½ lemon
70g bag of rocket
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
25g pine nuts

How to prepare

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the squash on a baking tray. Toss in half the oil, season and spread out into a single layer (you may need 2 baking trays). Roast for 30-35 mins or until tender.
Meanwhile, place a large rectangle of baking parchment on a baking tray. Unroll the pastry and lay it on top. Score a 1cm border with the tip of a knife and prick the inside part all over with a fork. Bake in the oven for 15 mins.
Mix the ricotta, sage, nutmeg, lemon zest and plenty of seasoning in a bowl. Once the pastry and squash are cooked, remove from the oven. Gently press the centre of the pastry case down with the back of a spoon. Spread the ricotta mix into the centre. Lay on squash. Bake for a further 10-15 mins until the pastry is golden and crisp. Mix the lemon juice, rocket, chilli, pine nuts and 1 tbsp oil. Scatter half over the tart and serve the rest on the side.

Recipe originally from Good Food magazine, September 2013