“I walk by the butternut squash all the time at the store, but never buy one. I always buy it frozen…using a fresh one is intimidating for me.”
“Growing up, my mom never cooked squash. To be honest, I don’t think I like it…and I would have no idea how to use it.”
“Butternut squash is creepy…I have never tried it, but I’m pretty sure I don’t like it…”
“I can’t eat butternut squash…I’m allergic to nuts.”
Believe it or not…
we have heard these comments at various events over the past few years (yes, even that last one!).
Since winter squash is officially in-season now, we wanted to share more about butternut squash, one of the most popular varieties. There are so many easy and delicious ways to enjoy it…we don’t want anyone to be intimidated by uncertainty about how to cut it, seed it or turn it into a delicious meal!
And not only is butternut squash a treasure trove of taste and textures, but it is also loaded with nutrients that skyrocket your health. For example, it is loaded with phyto-nutrients that fight cancer. It includes potassium and fiber that lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It has minerals that build your bones even as well as milk. Plus, it is low in calories (about 63 calories per cup). Low in calories and high in nutrients – make sure it’s part of your routine!
It’s easier than you think!
It really is as simple as cutting off the ends, cutting it in half at the base of the “neck,” and then peeling and scooping out the seeds.
This short video will show you it is so much easier than you think!
What do you do with it?
Now that the “I don’t know how to cut it” obstacle is gone, how do you make incredibly delicious meals with it?
We have so many ideas on the Eat REAL America website…here are just a few great-tasting reasons to get started:
SALADS:
Pear and Butternut Squash Salad – we recently served this during a cooking demo at our local farmers’ market and many couldn’t believe the delicious combination of flavors and textures! We heard things like, “You did it again, I would never have believed fruits and vegetables could go together so well!” - Butternut Squash Kale Salad – massaging the kale and adding the sweetness of butternut squash results in one fantastic salad!
- Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette – roasting the butternut squash gives this salad amazing flavor.
SOUPS:
- Butternut Squash Minestrone – great crowd-pleaser and, with its flavor-popping taste, no one will believe it is healthy!
- Butternut Squash and Apple Soup – creamy and dreamy soup, and the delicious taste and sweetness comes from the squash and apples.
- Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Chili – hearty, filling and incredibly tasty, this chili is excellent for busy weeknights when you can let the slow cooker do the work.
ENTREES:
- Fire-Roasted Sloppy Joes – butternut squash adds the sweetness so you don’t have to add all the brown sugar, ketchup and BBQ sauce.
- Butternut Squash Lasagna – thanks to an Eat REAL America member request, we were inspired to come up with this veggie-loaded lasagna with a delicious smoky tomato sauce.
- Quinoa with Butternut Squash and Sausage – a member favorite, this one will make you love butternut squash!
- Butternut Squash Veggie Bake – this recipe is one of our favorites…ideal for a quick dinner, or breakfast the next morning with an egg on top. Makes great wraps and quesadillas too!
- Butternut Squash Tacos and Roasted Butternut Squash Fajitas – who says you need meat?! Loaded up with your favorite toppings, the roasted squash is ideal for these flavorful meals.
- Butternut Squash and Fig Pasta – this one will blow your taste buds away! The slight sweetness of the figs makes for a delicious combination of flavors.
SIDES:
- Smoky Braised Butternut Squash – tender with a delicious smoky flavor…you will want to soak up every bit of the yummy sauce.
- Autumn Harvest Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash – this side dish screams “Fall!” and will disappear quick at your holiday table.
- Honey Baked Butternut Squash Fries – who doesn’t love turning veggies into fries?!
- Herb Seasoned Butternut Squash – whether you steam it or roast it, use this simple combination of seasonings for a fantastic side dish that will complement so many meals!
For a veggie-packed, flavor-loaded, crazy good meal, watch Zonya make the Moroccan Vegetable Curry…it gets rave reviews! It’s perfect for a cool fall or winter night, and can be served with rice or your favorite grain, and it is absolutely delicious eaten all by itself! If there are any leftovers, try warming it up and topping it with an egg for breakfast the next morning!
Go ahead and impress your family and friends…
because now you can consider yourself an expert in BS!
The Fire Roasted Sloppy Joes are a 10/10 at our house! The sweetness of the butternut squash and the spices make it such a unique dish. Give it a try!
Thank you for sharing! I will never forget one time your girls walked in our house and said “Fire Roasted Sloppy Joes? They are my favorite!”
Up until last year we didn’t care for fall squash which was sad as we have learned to like lots of vegetables thanks to Eat Real. Last year we found the Maple Roasted Acorn Squash with Nut Topping and found we like acorn squash. This year we got to sample roasted butternut squash (with cinnamon) in the Pear and Butternut Squash salad. Wow, we like butternut squash roasted with cinnamon! What type of squash will we find we like next year??? Thanks, Krista for enlarging our fall squash options!