Polenta with Butternut Squash

Ingredients

3 pounds butternut squash, halved lengthwise, seeded (or any yellow squash)
6 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
2 3/4 cups canned broth, water or white wine (or mixture)
1 3/4 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoon salt (reduce if broth is salted)
1 1/2 cup polenta
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 1/4 ounces)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange squash, cut side up, in large roasting pan. Place garlic cloves in squash cavities. Drizzle oil over. Sprinkle with dried sage, salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake until squash is tender, about 1 hour 35 minutes. Cool slightly. Peel squash and garlic. Transfer to processor and puree. Combine broth, 1 3/4 cups water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until mixture is very thick and creamy, stirring often, about 20 minutes. Stir in fresh sage and 3 cups squash puree (reserve any remaining puree for another use). Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 6 servings.