A delicious and nutritious vegetable that is perfect for fall, butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. From soups and purees to roasted dishes and more, there are countless ways to enjoy the natural sweetness and velvety texture of butternut squash. In this post, I will share with you three quick and easy butternut squash recipes that are sure to please your taste buds.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or sage)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is evenly coated.
- Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
How to Prepare:
This roasted butternut squash dish is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply peel, seed, and cut the butternut squash into cubes. Toss with minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts: (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
- For a touch of sweetness, you can also drizzle the roasted butternut squash with a little honey or maple syrup before serving.
FAQs:
- Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?
- Yes, you can replace the butternut squash with other varieties such as acorn squash or delicata squash.
- Can I roast the squash ahead of time and reheat it later?
- Yes, you can roast the squash ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you are ready to serve.
Butternut Squash and Carrot Puree
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup of vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the butternut squash and carrots and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Drain the cooked vegetables and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
- Add the butter, vegetable broth (or water), salt, and pepper to the blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more broth or water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
How to Prepare:
To make this creamy and nutritious butternut squash and carrot puree, start by cooking the peeled and cut vegetables in boiling water until tender. Drain and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add butter (or olive oil), vegetable broth (or water), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more liquid if desired. This puree is a perfect side dish or base for soups and sauces.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts: (per serving)
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Tips:
- For added flavor and richness, you can stir in some grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of paprika to the puree.
FAQs:
- Can I freeze the puree?
- Yes, you can freeze the puree in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Can I use other types of vegetables?
- Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or combinations to create your own unique puree.
Spiced Carrots & Butternut Squash
Ingredients:
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into thin slices
- 1 cup of butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the carrot slices and cubed butternut squash to the pan.
- Sprinkle with ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
How to Prepare:
This spiced carrots and butternut squash dish is a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. To prepare, simply heat olive oil in a skillet or frying pan. Add thinly sliced carrots and cubed butternut squash to the pan. Sprinkle with ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. The warm spices add a touch of warmth and complexity to the dish, making it a comforting addition to any meal.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition Facts: (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the spices and seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less cumin and cinnamon, or even experiment with other spices like paprika or turmeric.
- For an extra kick of flavor, you can drizzle the cooked vegetables with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
FAQs:
- Can I use other types of spices?
- Absolutely! You can customize this dish by using your favorite spices or spice blends.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and reheat them in a skillet or in the oven when you are ready to serve.
With these three quick and easy butternut squash recipes, you can enjoy the flavors and health benefits of this delicious vegetable in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer the comforting creaminess of a puree, the caramelized sweetness of roasted squash, or the warm spiciness of sautéed vegetables, there is a recipe here to satisfy your cravings. Try them out and discover new ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your meals. Bon appétit!