Delicious and nutritious smoked butternut squash: 11 epic recipes

Butternut squash is a sweet and nutty vegetable that is not only delicious, but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you're adding it to risottos, soups, curries, or using it as the centerpiece for a veg roast, learning how to cook butternut squash is a handy skill to have. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of butternut squash, provide tips on how to cook it to perfection, and share 11 epic butternut squash recipes that are sure to impress.

The Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is not only tasty, but it's also packed with health benefits. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Additionally, 80g of cooked butternut squash can count towards your 5-a-day, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

How to Cook Butternut Squash to Perfection

Butternut squash is in season from September to December, but it can be found in stores year-round due to its excellent storage capabilities. When choosing a butternut squash, look for one that is firm and feels heavy for its size.

For a simple butternut squash recipe, start by halving the squash and scooping out the seeds. You can then chop it into chunks, leaving the skin on as it will become soft and sweet when cooked. Make sure to wash the squash well before cooking. Roast the chunks at 180°C for 35 to 40 minutes, or until they turn golden and soft.

If you have extra oven space, consider baking a whole butternut squash. Once it's cooked and easy to insert a knife into, you can use it over the following days in salads, pancakes, or fritters.

11 Epic Butternut Squash Recipes

• Butternut Squash Ravioli: Roast a whole squash and mash it up with ricotta for a delicious filling for homemade ravioli. Serve it with a 7-veg tomato sauce, rocket, and Parmesan for a luxurious meal.
• Butternut Squash Risotto: Combine sweet squash with sausage, red wine, chilli, fennel, and thyme for a comforting and flavorful risotto.
• Stuffed Butternut Squash Roast: Fill a roasted squash with nutty cranberry-spiked rice for a show-stopping vegetarian dish.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Spice up your salad with cumin, couscous, and pumpkin seeds for a portable and flavorful lunch option.
• Butternut Squash Fritters: Use leftover squash to create mouthwatering fritters by mixing it with allspice, ricotta, egg, and flour. Fry them in olive oil for a delicious snack.
• Butternut Squash Curry: Explore Indian flavors by combining squash with curry leaves, cumin, mustard seeds, chilli, and coconut. This squash curry will take your taste buds on a journey.
• Smashed Butternut Squash Bruschetta: Roast squash with sage, garlic, and chilli, then smash it onto hot toasts for a delightful antipasti dish.
• Butternut Squash Pancakes: Surprise your taste buds with these unique pancakes made with squash. They are perfect for a weekend brunch.
• Whole Roasted Butternut Squash: The easiest method for cooking squash involves roasting it whole and adding flavor at the last minute. Top it with crispy sage, toasted pine nuts, sage oil, and balsamic vinegar for a winning combination.
• Leftover Butternut Squash Salad: Make use of leftover chicken, vegetables, and stuffing by combining them with spiced chickpeas, parsley, and rocket for a satisfying Monday night dinner.
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Smoked Bacon: Combine sweet roasted squash with crispy smoked bacon and rosemary for a delicious antipasto or side dish.

These 11 epic butternut squash recipes are just the beginning. Feel free to experiment and get creative in the kitchen with this versatile vegetable.

Smoked butternut squash is a versatile and nutritious autumn vegetable that can elevate any dish. It is not only delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Whether you roast it, stuff it, or incorporate it into a curry, butternut squash is sure to impress. Try out these 11 recipes and let your taste buds explore the wonderful flavors of this seasonal vegetable.

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