How to make butternut squash the star of your meal
What's the story
Butternut squash is a culinary powerhouse, bringing its sweet and nutty goodness to any dish you fancy. Packed with vitamins A and C, it's not just tasty, but super healthy too. We've got five fresh ways to level up your butternut squash game. Forget the same old soups and standard sides - we're talking next-level deliciousness here.
Soup delight
Roasted butternut squash soup
Roasting butternut squash before blending it into soup caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing sweetness and depth of flavor. Simply cube the squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for ~30 minutes until tender. Blend with vegetable broth and warming seasonings like ginger or nutmeg for a comforting soup. Perfect with a slice of crusty bread!
Creamy comfort
Butternut squash risotto
Adding butternut squash to risotto makes for a creamy, slightly sweet dish. Start by sauteing onions in butter until translucent, then add Arborio rice and stir until coated. Slowly add vegetable stock, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked. Stir in roasted butternut squash cubes for sweetness, and finish with Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
Savory boats
Stuffed butternut squash boats
Stuffed butternut squash boats make a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for dinner parties or cozy family meals. Simply halve the squash lengthwise and remove the seeds, then bake until soft. Stuff each half with a flavorful combination of quinoa, spinach, cranberries, nuts, and feta cheese, then pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Pasta twist
Butternut squash pasta sauce
Turn butternut squash into a deliciously creamy pasta sauce! Just blend roasted squash pieces with some garlic and a bit of cream or milk until it's all smooth and silky. Warm it up gently on the stove, season with some salt and pepper to taste, and pour it over your favorite pasta (think penne or fettuccine). It's a great change of pace from the usual tomato stuff!
Sweet treats
Spiced butternut squash muffins
If you love baking at home, consider creating spiced muffins with pureed cooked buttermilk! Just mix it with some flour, sugar, and warming spices (think cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg). Voila! You've got yourself some super moist and tasty muffins. They're the ideal breakfast treat during the chilly fall and winter months.