Description
This Spicy Caramelized Squash with Lemon and Hazelnuts is a flavorful and vibrant recipe that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper, the brightness of fresh lemon, and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or a warm, comforting vegetarian option, this recipe is easy to prepare and roasted to perfection for a caramelized finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Seasoning
- 1 medium butternut squash (or your preferred squash), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred heat level)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon and Nuts
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the squash.
- Prepare the Squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds if necessary, and cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Squash: In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seasoned squash in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces for proper caramelization.
- Roast the Squash: Roast the squash in the oven for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time, until the squash is tender and caramelized on the edges.
- Add Lemon: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the lemon zest and juice over the roasted squash. Gently stir to combine the bright citrus flavors evenly.
- Toast Hazelnuts: While the squash is roasting, toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 5-7 minutes until the nuts are golden and fragrant.
- Combine Nuts and Squash: Add the toasted hazelnuts to the caramelized squash and mix carefully to distribute the crunch throughout the dish.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the spicy caramelized squash to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey if desired.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your preferred heat level.
- For a nut-free version, omit hazelnuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Use any preferred winter squash if butternut is unavailable.
- Ensure squash pieces are spread out on the baking sheet to promote even roasting and caramelization.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a lovely color and freshness.
