ROAST SQUASH, HAZELNUT CREAM, DATES & CRISPY SAGE

This is such a lovely way to serve squash. Squash, sage and hazelnut are nothing new but a classic combination for a reason.

What makes this dish a little different is the hazelnut cream and chopped dates which add an extra creaminess and surprise sweet bites that pair so well with the sweetness from the squash and hazelnut. 

A note on squash - winter squash can vary in size quite significantly, I used half of a Crown Prince, I love the dense, meaty texture, but you can use another - my favourites are red kuri, kabocha or delica, I like the keep the skin on mine, in most varieties, it’s edible, it looks great on the plate and is high in nutrients. 

I finished mine with a good drizzle of Citziens of Soil Small Batch Tuscan EVOO, a really special olive oil. intense and peppery, it works beautifully with the richness of the hazelnut and squash.

Serves 4-6 as a side

1/2 - 1 winter squash - about 800g 

10g sage - picked  

40g roasted hazelnut

4 dates, pitted and diced  

Hazelnut Cream 

150g roasted hazelnut

230g water 

40g olive oil 

½  tsp salt 

1 tsp coconut sugar 

2 tsp dried onion 

1.5 tbsp white balsamic vinegar 

10g white miso

Preheat the oven to 200°C. If you need to roast hazelnuts, place them in the oven while it heats, but only set the temperature to 165°C initially. Roast for about 15 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden colour. Once done, set the hazelnuts aside to cool and increase the oven temperature to 200°C.

Cut the squash into quarters, then slice each quarter into thick slices, about 1 inch thick. Rub the slices with oil and salt, then place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roast for 20–25 minutes. Roasting time may vary depending on the type of squash—use a skewer or sharp knife to test doneness; it should slide in easily.

While the squash is roasting, prepare the rest of your ingredients.

For the crispy sage: Heat olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the sage leaves in a single layer and fry for 2 minutes, or until crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper.

Pit and dice the dates, and roughly chop the roasted hazelnuts.

To make the hazelnut cream, simply blend all the ingredients in a blender until very smooth.

When the squash is ready, you’re ready to plate.. Spread the hazelnut cream over your serving plate, and top with the roasted squash, hazelnuts, and dates. Finish with a good drizzle of EVOO and the crispy sage.