Sweet and Spicy Hasselback Squash

I must confess that for most of my life, eating butternut squash was not on my top list. I knew that nothing says 'autumn' more than pumpkins, but I preferred to look at them rather than eat them.
However, as I became, let's just say wiser, I started to add more healthy food to my menu, and eventually, many butternut squash recipes managed to make a spectacular entrance in my kitchen.
Without further ado, this delicious Hasselback butternut squash recipe is easy to make and will be highly appreciated by every person trying it out. This coming from a former squash non-believer.

How to cook a butternut squash in a sweet and spicy Hasselback fashion

• The first thing you need to do is to cut the squash lengthwise and to take out its seeds. I had a very big fellow so I only used the lower part, but I am sure it would look great to have the whole piece.

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• Preheat the oven to 230°C (450F).
• Choose a baking tray large enough to fit your squash.
• Coat the squash pieces with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper on them, and put them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  

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• After the 15 minutes have passed, take a knife and check out the texture of your squash. It has to be soft but not crumbly.
• Take it out of the oven and let it rest at room temperature. Set the oven to 200°C (400F)
• While the squash is resting, it's time to prepare the glaze.

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• With a knife start crushing the hazelnuts until they reach the texture of bread crumbs. Add them in a saucepan along with the cinnamon, clove, star anise, blueberry jam, chili flakes, sweet paprika, and the remaining olive oil.
• Put the saucepan on medium-low heat and stir continuously until your mixture gets a jelly texture.
• Remove it from heat and let it rest.
• It is time to move your attention back to the squash because it is now rested and ready to party.

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• Carefully move the squash on a chopping board. Take two chopsticks and put the squash between them. With a knife, start making perpendicular cuts in a Hasselback fashion.
• The reason why I strongly advise using the chopsticks is that you don't want the knife to go all the way through. However, if have ninja skills, go ahead and be a rebel. Cut that squash free of sticks.
• Now, regardless of your knife skills, your squash should be cut and ready for its next oven bake.
• Put the piece back in the tray and insert the bay leaves in the cuts.

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• Every ten minutes, you will need to take the tray out and glaze the squash with a brush using the prepared spicy God-like jelly.
• The cooking time should be around 40 to 60 minutes depending on how big your piece of squash is. Mine was ready in 40 minutes

You can serve this dish as a stand-alone vegan course or as a garnish for your favorite grilled meat. Furthermore, I think that a refreshing sour cream sauce is the perfect addition to this sweet and spicy Hasselback squash.

FAQ

Now, before I close the discussion on the matter, I want to share with you one more information that you may or may not know about this Sweet and Spicy Hasselback Squash.

Q: Can butternut squash cause diarrhea?

A: It is unlikely that butternut squash will cause diarrhea. However, like all foods, it is possible for some individuals to have an adverse reaction. If you experience any discomfort after consuming butternut squash, it may be best to consult with your doctor.

Q: Can butternut squash go bad?

A: Yes, butternut squash can go bad. It is important to store it properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend its shelf life. If you notice any signs of mold, discoloration, or a foul odor, it is best to discard the squash.

Q: Can butternut squash be frozen?

A: Yes, butternut squash can be frozen. Cut the squash into cubes or puree it, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months.

Q: When is butternut squash in season?

A: Butternut squash is typically in season from late summer to early winter, with its peak season in the fall. However, it can usually be found year-round in grocery stores.

Q: What is the Hasselback technique?

A: The Hasselback technique is a method of slicing vegetables or fruits into thin, accordion-like cuts. The technique is named after the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, where it was first used to make Hasselback potatoes. The technique is commonly used to make dishes such as Hasselback butternut squash, which is a delicious and visually impressive dish.

* This recipe can be adapted depending on the servings you wish to make. Just don't forget to adjust the quantities for the jelly. 2 pounds of squash is more than enough for 4 people to eat.