Description
This hasselback butternut squash recipe features crispy edges and a creamy center infused with a sweet and spicy maple chili lacquer with sage. It’s a gourmet-feeling side dish perfect for elevating any meal with beautiful presentation and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
- 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Squash: Carefully peel and halve the butternut squash, then scoop out the seeds. Lay each half cut-side down on your cutting board and make parallel cuts about 0.25 inch apart, going almost all the way through but keeping the bottom intact (use chopsticks on either side as a guide if tricky).
- Make the Maple Chili Lacquer: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, olive oil, chopped fresh sage, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thick.
- Lacquer and Roast: Brush the squash generously with half of the maple chili lacquer, ensuring it gets into the cuts. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
- Second Lacquer and Finish: Remove from oven, brush with the remaining maple chili lacquer. Return to oven and continue roasting until tender and caramelized, about 10-15 more minutes. The edges will be slightly browned and crispy, and the flesh fork-tender when done.
- Serve Warm: Once roasted to perfection, remove from the oven. Garnish with extra fresh sage leaves if desired for a touch of vibrant green. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
For tricky cuts, place chopsticks on either side of the squash as a guide. Consider organic squash and high-quality pure maple syrup. For lower-sugar, reduce maple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative. Adjust chili garlic sauce for desired spice; red pepper flakes can also be used. Fresh thyme or rosemary can substitute sage. Enhance flavor with smoked paprika or a squeeze of lime juice at the end. For faster prep, use pre-peeled and cut squash chunks (note: presentation will differ). If making gluten-free, check chili garlic sauce label for hidden gluten ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of a medium squash (approx 170g)
- Calories: 210 calories
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg