Fall Casserole

Martha and Jonathan Safran Foer discuss the importance of dietary choices and prepare a casserole of fall vegetables and orzo.

Fall Vegetable and Orzo Casserole

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium bowl, mix together panko, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Divide butternut squash between two baking sheets, spreading in an even layer. Drizzle each baking sheet with 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to oven and roast until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 5 minutes; drain and transfer to bowl with squash.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer fennel to bowl with squash and orzo.
Return skillet to medium heat and add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, and 1 cup water; let simmer until tomatoes begin to soften, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to bowl with orzo, squash, and fennel. Fold in sage and season with salt and pepper.
Transfer orzo mixture to a 3-quart baking dish; cover with parchment paper-lined aluminum foil. Transfer to oven and bake for 15 minutes; uncover and sprinkle top with panko mixture. Return baking dish to oven and bake, uncovered, until panko is toasted, about 10 minutes more. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and serve.