Hasselback Butternut Squash

It's the season to enjoy Hasselback Butternut Squash drizzled with maple pecans! This dish is a stunning addition to your holiday table. But it's more than just looks. It tastes great too, thanks to the maple flavour and caramelised pecans.

When I see the pictures of this hasselback Butternut Squash, I am reminded how good it was. You can't go wrong with butternut, but this dish is definitely worth trying. Once again.

I wanted to create a dish that vegans and nonvegans would both enjoy. It had to be something everyone could say "WOW!" when it was served. It's not just beautiful to look at, but it also tastes great. The squash is so flavourful and the maple pecan drizzle complements it perfectly.

It's so easy to make, even though it is an impressive dish for a holiday dinner!

Why you'll love this Hasselback butternut squash

• A show-stopping side dish. This side dish will impress all your guests whether they are vegans or not. Its beautiful presentation and layers flavours make it stand out on any table.
• Easy preparation. Making the slits is not as difficult as it looks. It doesn't even take long. The maple pecan drizzle can be made in a few minutes by mixing a few ingredients together.
• Perfect to serve at special occasions. This hasselback squash recipe is perfect for any special occasion, whether it's Christmas, Thanksgiving or another holiday.

Ingredients: Notes

Scroll to the bottom of the recipe card for the ingredients quantities and the recipe instructions.

Hasselback Butternut Squash Recipe

• Butternut Squash – Cut in half, and scoop out the pulp and seeds. You can also leave the skin on, but I prefer to peel it. It is still edible, though the texture is slightly tougher than delicata or acorn squash.
• Oil
• Black pepper and sea salt
• Thyme Fresh thyme's woody flavor pairs well with earthy winter squash.
• Water

Maple Pecan Drizzle

• Buy maple syrup and not pancake syrup.
• Allspice
• Cayenne- I like the heat, but it can be reduced or even omitted.
• Dried Sage -- I recommend rubbed, not ground sage.
• Fresh Thyme
• Chopped Pecans -- Since you will be chopping them anyway, purchase the cheaper pecan pieces rather than whole pecans.

Hasselback Butternuts: How to Prepare them

• Prepare. Pre-heat your oven to 425degF. Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper, foil or silicone mat.
• Season. Place the butternut squash halves onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle salt and pepper on them after coating with oil.
• Roast. Place the pan into the oven, and roast the squash halves 15 minutes.

• Prepare the drizzle. The maple syrup, allspice powder, cayenne, dried sage and fresh thyme are whisked together.
• Cut up the squash. Transfer the squash onto a cutting surface. Create slits on the butternut with a sharp knife, 1/4" apart.

• Add herbs and drizzle. Return the squash slices to the baking tray. Reserving a tablespoon of the maple drizzle to brush on, add a few pieces of fresh thyme into the slits. Add a few pieces fresh thyme to the slits in the squash. Then, add two to three tablespoons of water to the bottom of your baking dish to avoid burning.
• Bake. Place the pan into the oven for another 50 minutes. Pour the maple drizzle over the squash, and add the chopped pecans. Continue baking for another 5 minutes. Serve after cooling slightly.

Success Tips

• Be careful when cutting the squash. Don't slice too deep! This will help to keep the slices together and make a lovely presentation. Set a chopstick either side of your squash (the longer sides, not the shorter ones). They'll stop you from cutting too deeply.
• Add more water as necessary. Check the pan every 15 minutes to ensure the water is not baking off. Add more water if the pan seems dry.
• Tent the pan with foil. If the tops begin to brown too quickly on the butternut hasselback squash, tent the pan loosely with foil.

Variations

You can use brown butter instead of maple glaze if you prefer a savory dish. My homemade vegan butter browns, unlike other vegan butters. For the perfect finish, add vegan Parmesan cheese and minced sage.

Serving Suggestions

This hasselback squash is a great side dish to vegan meatloaf or vegan turkey. It's great with other holiday favourites such as cranberry-orange sauce, vegan mashed potato, vegan gravy and sweet potatoes souffle.

How to store leftovers

Keep leftover butternut hasselback squash in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or the oven.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Hasselback Butternut Squash can be frozen for up to three months. Place the squash into an airtight bag or container. Thaw the squash overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it according to the above instructions.

Butternut Squash Recipes

• Butternut Squash Soup
• Butternut Squash Mac and cheese
• Vegan Butternut Squash Soup with Apples
• Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

Enjoy, friends! Please take a picture and tag #jessicainthekitchen if you make this hasselback Butternut Squash! Please leave a comment and rate the recipe! Thank you!

Jessica in the Kitchen published Hasselback Butternut Squash first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases by eating a plant-based diet?

Due to its numerous health and environmental advantages, the plant-based diet has gained popularity in today's world. It is a diet that consists primarily of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. There are many benefits to a plant-based approach to eating, such as improved heart health and digestive health, energy levels, decreased stress hormones, potential environmental protection, and increased energy. Plant-based diets can be supplemented with excellent plant-based protein sources.

What amount of meat is acceptable on a plant-based diet.

No amount of meat is permissible on a plant-based diet. This dietary lifestyle eliminates all animal products, including meat, fish, and poultry. There are many vegan alternatives that can provide the same taste and texture as animal products. Many soy-based proteins, such as seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh(fermented soybeans), mock duck (made from mushrooms), and tofu (wheat gluten), can be used to mimic the flavors of traditional meat dishes. Vegetarian burgers made of black beans and/or quinoa can be as good as beef burgers. You can also make vegan burgers with eggplant bacon bits or coconut bacon strips; tofu mayo; vegetable hot dogs with seasoned texture soy protein; and faux chicken strips made from wheat gluten. These options can be a great option for people who are looking to move to a plantbased diet.

What are some great sources of protein in a plant-based diet.

Some excellent sources of protein on a plant-based diet include legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas; soy products like tofu and tempeh; grains such as quinoa and teff; nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews; seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower; and green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These plant-based proteins are rich in fiber and essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Flaxseeds and chia seeds, walnuts and hemp seeds all contain omega-3 fatty acid which can balance the nutrient intake of a plant-based diet.

What happens when I stop eating meat?

Your body will go through many changes if you quit eating meat. Your diet will likely be richer in fiber and less saturated fat as you move from animal-based protein to plant-based proteins like legumes, beans and whole grains. This shift can benefit your heart health, and overall digestion health. You may also notice an increase in energy due to a more efficient digestion and elimination of inflammatory food like animal proteins. It is possible that your moods will become more stable if stress hormones are reduced. Switching to a plant based diet is a popular way to fight environmental damage caused factory farming.

What are the health benefits of a plant-based diet

A plant-based diet offers many benefits such as improved heart and digestive health. It also provides energy, reduced stress hormones and possible environmental protection. Soy-based protein is made from legumes, beans and whole grains. It has higher fiber and lower levels of saturated fat than animal proteins. Plant-based diets provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds that can help protect against cell damage from inflammation and oxidative damage which can lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Eating more fruits and vegetables can also increase fiber intake, which helps feed gut bacteria and promotes digestive health. Research shows that a plant based diet may be able to improve moods by reducing stress hormones. Alternatives to factory farming are also becoming popular, such as switching away from animal protein.

Statistics

• In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)
• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

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• Effects of plant-based diets on weight status: A systematic review - PMC


• Healthcare professionals can use plant-based nutrition to prevent and treat chronic diseases. PMC

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• ScienceDirect: Plant-Based Nutrition for Personal, Population, or Planetary Health

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• Weight Loss


• Plant-Based Diets & Omega-3 Fatty acid

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• How common is vitamin B-12 deficiency? Oxford Academic

How To

How do you meal prep for a plant-based diet

Preparing vegan meals from plants allows you to cook your meals quickly and efficiently. It takes planning and preparation but can help you save time and encourage healthier eating habits. Prepping plant-based meals in advance makes it easier to stick to your diet, as the food is already ready when you need something healthy and delicious. Also, you can save time and make it easier to exercise or relax by not having the food prepared from scratch each day.

Preparing plant-based meals is easy if you prioritize variety and emphasize whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, and legumes. You can get better nutrition by choosing different ingredients with different colors. For example, you could use spinach for greens, orange/red carrots for orange/reds, or brown rice to make complex carbohydrates. A balance of fiber, protein and some fats should be the aim with each meal, depending on the individual's needs.

For meal prep efficiency optimization, you can use a multi-cooker or slow-cooker to cook multiple ingredients at once. Pre-cut vegetables are also useful.

With a few simple steps, meal prepping for a plant-based diet can be an easy and enjoyable experience. You can start by making a grocery store list of the recipes you will be using. You can also shop at local health food stores or farmers' markets for fresh produce and other quality products. Next, it's important to set aside enough time to prep the food; this alternatives like these mean minimal effort with maximum savings! Food stays fresher longer if it's stored properly.

Plant-based meal prep allows you to eat well, no matter how busy your life may be. By taking the guesswork out of healthy eating, individuals will likely achieve their nutritional goals sooner rather than later.

Resources:

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