Description
This Spicy Caramelized Squash with Lemon and Hazelnuts recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness, heat, and citrus brightness. Roasted until tender and caramelized, the squash is enhanced by warm spices, a hint of cayenne pepper, bright lemon zest and juice, and crunchy toasted hazelnuts, making it an amazing side dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.
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 Squash: Peel the squash, remove seeds if necessary, and cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Season Squash: In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until the pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the squash cubes in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper roasting.
- Roast Squash: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- Add Lemon: Remove the roasted squash from the oven and sprinkle with lemon zest and juice. Gently stir to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Toast Hazelnuts: While the squash is roasting, toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- Combine: Add the toasted hazelnuts to the caramelized squash and mix carefully to incorporate the nuts evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a different flavor profile.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Ensure squash pieces are spread out evenly on the baking sheet to achieve the best caramelization.
- Toasting hazelnuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor; do not skip this step.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
