Mashed butternut squash makes a great and delicious fall side dish since it pairs so perfectly with everything. It’s smooth, soft, creamy texture is loaded with healthy nutrients and a pronounced sweet/nutty flavour.
While many people adore mashed potatoes and try to make it often at any party table, I am that person that wants a more special side dish. I adore potatoes in all its forms of cooking, but sometimes I want a healthier and nice-looking side dish.
Mashed squash makes a great and versatile side dish to the classic and popular mashed potatoes. I associate this easy to make dish with fall’s colours and taste. I adore taking advantage of seasonal ingredients and try to add as much as possible in different recipes. Butternut squash or pumpkin is one of my favourite autumn veggies to be used in different and healthy recipes. I adore pumpkin soup served with some seeds and cheese, squash pies, and others. Roasting them before cooking only intensifies the flavour, aroma, and sweetness.
What to top over mashed squash?
Only 5 ingredients and your side dish are ready to be savoured. Adding some pepper flakes or spices only makes it better. One more hint that is optional: I adore serving sweet potatoes or mashed squash topped with some grated parmesan. I adore the sweet taste nicely and finely combined with salty parmesan. This kind of combination is one of my favourites.
Roasting or cooking on the stove depends on your selection. I have used both versions as they are both okay. Roasted has a more pronounced aroma that is more alluring.
This easy recipe can be so versatile that any topping or mixture you will add will make it taste better.
Easily dress mashed butternut squash up with: hot spices, cinnamon, sage, thyme, parmesan, and even fried bacon. I know some of my friends add maple syrup but it is so personal that you have to try first then to make it at home.
This great side dish can be personalized your way and can be easily decorated anyway.
Is butternut squash healthy?
Butternut squash is a healthy veggie full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. It is a low-calorie veggie, frequently used in fall dishes, rich in fibers and great helper against many diseases. This great vegetable can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is very popular in different diet menus as it is double less caloric, has fewer carbs, and sugar than sweet potatoes.
Its healthiness is often used in pureed, soups, roasted, sauteed, mashed, in muffins, pies and bread recipes.
Which is healthier pumpkin or butternut squash?
Both pumpkin and squash are healthy and have the same sweet, nutty taste with a resembling colour.
Butternut squash has more vitamin A than pumpkin and squash’s seeds are more beneficial rather than pumpkin. However, both of them are healthy and good to be introduced to the menu, especially in the fall/winter season.
How do you thicken mashed butternut squash?
Making mashed squash at home is not hard, but very personal. For me, it is okay if it is not thick and can be easily served as a puree. However, for those who seek a more thicken mashed squash then easily add some layers of cheesecloth. Allow the cheesecloth to draw out the excess of moisture and then enjoy the dish. Easily substitute cheesecloth with some bread slices.
Can you put flour in mashed butternut squash?
Butternut squash is great at tasting and serving. It is beneficial and has an amazing, attractive orange/yellow colour. It is great to be served as it is without adding flour or thickening agent.
However, you can easily add some thickening agent if you want your mashed squash to be more thickened. You can use any kind of flour, cornstarch, powdered milk or more parmesan.
How to make mashed butternut squash?
When my daughter enjoys my dishes, then I am more than happy. If those dishes are healthy and nutritious, then I am wordless. Watching my family eating healthy and delicious dishes is really eye-catching and unbelievable. Today, we have access to so many recipes that only imagination and time is needed.
For the best tasting mashed squash, you need some 5 ingredients, love, and patience.
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The ingredients:
1 butternut squash (firm and nice looking)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (soft but not melted)
1 tbsp olive oil
Spices and seasoning (some cayenne flakes)
Some parmesan optional
Preheat the oven at 400 F (200 C).
Clean the butternut squash with some kitchen paper and set it on a cutting board.
Take a sharp knife and cut the squash half-length size. Cut the ends and scoop out the seeds with a spoon or a scoop.
Place them on a baking tray laid with parchment paper. Brush both halves with olive oil and some seasoning.
Place the halves cut side up and bake for about 40-45 minutes.
Take the butternut squash off the oven and let it cool some minutes out. Take a bowl and scoop out the flesh and mash it with a fork or a hand blender. Add the butter into the mixture and some seasoning. Mix or beat until creamy and smoothie.
Spoon the mashed butternut squash on a plate and garnish with some rosemary and some pepper flakes.
A healthy side dish to warm your heart and soul on late cold days.
Mashed Butternut Squash - Delicious Fall Side Dish
Equipment
- baking tray
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- spices
- parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 400 F (200 C). Clean the butternut squash with some kitchen paper and set it on a cutting board. Take a sharp knife and cut the squash half-length size. Cut the ends and scoop out the seeds with a spoon or a scoop.
- Place them on a baking tray laid with parchment paper. Brush both halves with olive oil and some seasoning. Roast the halves, cut side up and bake for about 40-45 minutes.
- Take the butternut squash off the oven and let it cool some minutes out. Take a bowl and scoop out the flesh and mash it with a fork or a hand blender. Add the butter and parmesan into the mixture and some seasoning. Mix or beat until creamy and smoothie.
- Spoon the mashed butternut squash on a plate and garnish rosemary and some pepper flakes.
