Hasselbeck Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves

Hasselbeck butternut squash with bay leaves. 

The perfect meal. Grilling the butternut squash with bay leaves slipped between the slices results in aromatic feast!

Ingredients

8 SERVINGS

• 1 large butternut squash or 2–3 small honeynut squash (about 3 pounds total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• 1 Fresno chile, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup, preferably grade B
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 6–8 dried bay leaves

Preparation

Step 1

Place a rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 425°. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a large spoon. Using a peeler, remove skin and white flesh below (you should reach the deep orange flesh). Rub all over with oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast in a baking dish just large enough to hold halves side by side until beginning to soften (a paring knife should easily slip in only about ¼"), 15–18 minutes. Let cool. 

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat up the Arteflame Grill. Place a small saucepan on the side plancha.

Bring chile, maple syrup, butter, and vinegar to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high, stirring occasionally and removing chile as soon as desired heat level is reached (set aside for serving), until just thick enough to coat spoon, 6–8 minutes. Keep glaze warm.

Step 3

Take the cooled squash and using a sharp knife, score rounded sides of squash halves crosswise, going as deep as possible but without cutting all the way through. 

Step 4

Transfer squash to the grill, scored sides up, and tuck bay leaves between a few of the slices; season with salt and pepper. The aroma of the firewood will impart a beautiful smokey flavor that will have you going for seconds!

Step 5

Grill the squash, basting with glaze every 10 minutes, until tender and glaze forms a rich brown coating, 45–60 minutes. Serve topped with reserved chiles.

Step 6

Do Ahead: Squash can be roasted 4 hours ahead. Let cool until just warm; cover and store at room temperature. Reheat before serving.