Halal Twist by Hasan
This halal Mexican-style baked winter squash can be prepared either spicy or sweet, making it a versatile side dish perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday events. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with either Mexican seasoning or honey and spices.
Why This Recipe is Halal
- Vegetarian recipe with no meat or animal byproducts that require halal certification.
- All ingredients are plant-based or dairy (butter) which are generally halal when sourced properly.
- No alcohol or haram additives in the seasoning mixes.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Small swaps make a big difference. Here’s what to look for when you shop.
Butter source
What to watch for: Some butter may contain non-halal animal-derived enzymes.
The halal solution: Use butter certified halal or substitute with olive oil for a vegan option.
Find halal certified butter on Amazon →Ingredient-by-Ingredient Halal Audit
| Ingredient | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| winter squash | halal | Plant-based |
| mexican seasoning | halal | Check for alcohol-free |
| mixed spice | halal | Check for alcohol-free |
| honey | halal | Natural sweetener |
| butter | questionable | Check for halal certification |
| olive oil | halal | Plant-based |
| salt | halal | Mineral |
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb winter squash
- 1-2 teaspoon mexican seasoning
- 1-2 teaspoon mixed spice
- honey (to taste)
- butter (to taste)
- olive oil (to taste)
- salt (to taste)
Let’s Cook
- Make a choice and proceed with recipe (spicy or sweet version).
- Depending on size of squash, cut into half or fourths.
- Remove seeds.
- For spicy squash, drizzle olive oil or melted butter over each cut squash piece.
- Season with Mexican seasoning mix II.
- For sweet squash, drizzle melted honey, butter, grated piloncillo over each cut squash piece.
- Season with sweet Mexican spice mix.
- Bake at 350 degrees, again depending on size, for 40 minutes up to an hour, until a fork can easily pierce the skin.
- Be careful not to burn the squash especially if you opt to use sugar or butter.
- If you feel more comfortable, cover the squash with aluminum foil the first half hour, give or take, of baking.
- If desired, season with salt.
Nutrition, Per Serving
Notes From My Kitchen
- For extra flavor, toast the Mexican seasoning mix in a dry pan for 30 seconds before using.
- When testing doneness, insert fork near the stem end – this is usually the last part to cook through.
- Leftovers make excellent filling for halal vegetarian tacos or quesadillas.
Tools That Make It Easier
These are the pieces I reach for every time — tested in my own kitchen.
Baking Sheet
Essential for roasting squash evenly.
Sharp Knife
For safely cutting through tough winter squash.
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