Butternut Squash Recipe

Butternut squash, like many other varieties of winter squash, has a delicious potato like texture and sweet, nutty taste. Popular during the holidays, butternut squash is enjoying a growing popularity the rest of the year. The squash can be cooked in a number of ways, and can be found in both sweet and savory dishes. When cooked using a dry heat method or with very little cooking liquid, the squash holds its shape well, and happily absorbs flavors from the surrounding ingredients. When steamed or boiled, the squash becomes very tender, and can be easily pureed for use in soups and sauces.

Select squash that are rock hard to the touch. For chopping and dicing, remove the inedible shell with a vegetable peeler when the squash is whole. Cut off the stem, cut the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and surrounding fibers. Discard the seeds and stem. The large orange pieces are ready for slicing and dicing. If roasting, remove the stem, cut lengthwise, remove the seeds, and roast in the oven until the squash reaches the desired tenderness. Scoop out the flesh for use in recipes.

ButternutSquashRecipe.net offers a growing collection of the best, taste-tested butternut squash recipes the world has to offer. Browse through holiday favorites as well as dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Learn the best techniques for finding, selecting, storing, handing, and preparing butternut squash. You will find great recipes for soups, salads, starters, and side dishes.


Featured Recipe

Baked Butternut Squash Soup with Nuts and Spices

Ingredients -
3 Tablespoons Almonds, blanched
3 Tablespoons Hazelnuts
3 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1 Teaspoon Curry Powder
2 Pounds Butternut Squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 Cups Chicken Stock
1 Cup Plain Yogurt
Kosher Salt, to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste
1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped
Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place the almonds in a baking dish and toast for 3 minutes.

3. Add the sesame seeds, keeping them separate from the almonds, and toast for 3 minutes longer.

4. Add the hazelnuts, also keeping them separate, and toast for 11 minutes more, or until the almonds and hazelnuts are browned but not too dark and the sesame seeds are golden.

5. Chop the almonds.

6. Let the hazelnuts cool slightly, rub off the skins in a clean dish towel, and chop.

7. Mix the nuts and sesame seeds and set aside.

8. Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees.

9. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and curry powder.

10. In a larger mixing bowl, toss the squash with the olive oil.

11. Add the spices and mix well.

12. Spread out the squash on a baking sheet.

13. Cover the squash and bake for 20 minutes, or until it softens and the fibers are starting to come apart.

14. Transfer the squash to a large saucepan or stockpot.

15. Add the stock, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat.

16. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

17. Transfer the squash to a food processor and puree.

18. Strain through a medium-fine strainer, pressing out all the liquid with a wooden spoon or the back of a ladle.

19. Add the yogurt and mix well.

20. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

21. Divide the soup among warm bowls.

22. Sprinkle with the nut-seed mixture and chopped cilantro.

 

 
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