The Very Versatile Butternut Squash

I once had a pumpkin-pie craving emergency that I quickly satisfied with the butternut squash I had on hand. Wow, what a great discovery! Now, I use butternut squash for many favorite dishes throughout the fall and winter. Here’s a traditional Pumpkin Pie opens in a new tab you can make using butternut squash in place of pumpkin.Butternut squash is a member of the gourd family. Its cousins include pumpkins and other winter squash, melons, cucumbers and summer squash. It’s incredibly versatile and can be baked, roasted, stewed, puréed or mashed, like potatoes. Here are some easy ways to try this simply sweet, nutritious and totally delicious squash:

• Learn to Cook: Roasted Butternut Squash opens in a new tab

• Classic Butternut Squash Soup opens in a new tab

• Butternut Hummus opens in a new tab (a simple dip or spread similar to traditional hummus)

Butternut squash is wonderful in salads. Did you know you can grate it raw to serve with leafy greens and a favorite dressing? Here are more salad ideas:

• Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad opens in a new tab

• Butternut Squash and Kale Salad opens in a new tab

• Butternut Squash, Spinach and Panettone Salad opens in a new tab

• Arugula Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Prosciutto opens in a new tab

• Quinoa with Roasted Veggies opens in a new tab

Remember, butternut squash is a bit sweeter than most pumpkins, but very similar in taste and texture. This makes it a great substitute for pumpkin and other winter squash in just about any recipe. You’ll love it baked into breads, muffins (try these Pumpkin Cornmeal Muffins opens in a new tab using butternut squash in place of pumpkin), cakes, pies, pancakes and cookies. This Butternut Blondies with White Chocolate Chunks opens in a new tab recipe is scented with nutmeg. 

In cool weather, I’ll often simmer peeled butternut squash with onions (and sometimes a peeled apple and/or some fresh fennel) in vegetable stock with salt and pepper, adding spices, like ginger or curry powder, and herbs such as thyme, rosemary or chives. Then I purée and serve. Sometimes I will stir in a splash of coconut milk and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Simple and delish! If you like soup and chili, here are a few ideas:

• Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Pecans opens in a new tab

• Chia-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Cream opens in a new tab

• Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup with Shrimp opens in a new tab

• Turkey Pumpkin Chili opens in a new tab (we love this with butternut purée, too!)

• Health Starts Here® Butternut Squash Soup opens in a new tab (fat free and lower in sodium)

Here are more savory ways for using butternut squash:

• Creamy Cashew “Risotto” with Butternut Squash opens in a new tab

• Butternut Squash with Celery Leaves and Orecchiette opens in a new tab

• Butternut Squash and Macaroni Casserole opens in a new tab

• Butternut Squash with Wilted Spinach and Blue Cheese opens in a new tab

• Butternut Squash Gratin with Le Gruyère opens in a new tab

• Savory Butternut Squash Pie with Hazelnuts opens in a new tab

• Onion, Bacon and Butternut Tart opens in a new tab

Do you have a favorite recipe using butternut squash?  Let me know.