Spicy Butternut Squash Recipes

FRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH SPICY HONEY

Steps:

• Mix 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a plate. Whisk the remaining 1 cup flour, the cornmeal, sage and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk into a medium bowl. Dredge the squash slices in the flour, dip in the buttermilk, then coat with the cornmeal mixture, shaking off any excess. Place on a rack set on a baking sheet.
• Heat about 2 inches vegetable oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Mix the honey and hot sauce in a small bowl.
• Working in batches, fry the squash, turning once, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. (Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature.) Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the rack to drain. Season with salt. Serve hot or at room temperature with the spicy honey.

SPICY BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Mix chili powder and lemon juice together in small bowl. Place the squash in a very large microwave-safe bowl and pour the spicy lemon juice over it. Toss to coat cubes evenly. Push cubes toward the sides of the bowl so that they cook evenly.
• Cover and microwave on high (100%) for 14 minutes. The squash is done when the tip of a small sharp knife or toothpick slides through a few of the cubes easily. Until done, re-cover and microwave at 2 minute intervals.
• If serving hot, scoop onto plate with a large serving spoon and serve immediately. If serving cold, refrigerate until cool.

SPICY BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• Bring a large covered pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
• Meanwhile, in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet with high sides and a tight-fitting lid (or a Dutch oven), heat the oil over medium-high until shimmering. Add the squash and season with salt, cumin and red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring every minute, until squash becomes browned in spots and feels just tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until not quite al dente, 3 to 4 minutes less than the package instructions. (It should be a little too firm to the bite.) Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain. If the pasta is done before the squash, then stir in a drizzle of olive oil so that it doesn't stick together.
• When the squash is just tender, add the broth. Bring to an active simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is soft and easily mashable, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat, then use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to crush about half of the butternut squash and leave the rest chunky. Season the squash to taste, keeping in mind that salty Parmesan will be added soon.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring vigorously to combine. Stir in the spinach one handful at a time until it shrinks down a little.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, the mozzarella and jalapeño, then place in the oven, on a sheet pan if you are worried about dripping. Cook until the top is melted and browned in spots, 12 to 15 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil, top with parsley and serve.

SPICED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pour a thin layer of water in a baking dish, or a cookie sheet with sides. Place the squash halves cut side down on the dish. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the flesh. Cool slightly, then remove the peel. Set aside.
• Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, leek and garlic, and saute for a few minutes, until tender. Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the potatoes, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until soft. Add the squash, and mash with the potatoes until chunks are small. Use an immersible hand blender to puree the soup, or transfer to a blender or food processor in batches, and puree until smooth. Return to the pot.
• Season the soup with cayenne pepper, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, salt and pepper, then stir in the sherry and half-and-half cream. Heat through, but do not boil. Ladle into bowls, and top with a dollop of sour cream.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH SPICY CHILLI

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Rub the squash with a little oil, then roast them on a baking tray for 45 mins until soft.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan, then fry the onion for a few mins until soft. Stir in the chilli and cumin, fry for 1 min more, then add the mince, browning for 3-4 mins. Stir in the purée and beans with a splash of water and season. Warm through and keep warm. Or cool, freeze for up to 1 month, then defrost and reheat.
• Scoop a little of the soft squash flesh out to make a hollow, then stir this into the chilli with half the coriander. Fill the cavity of each squash with a quarter of the mix, then scatter with the remaining coriander. Dress the spinach with a drop more olive oil, season and serve alongside the squash.