How To Cook Butternut Squash 6 Ways

Butternut squash is a common food item and it's important to use the proper one in cooking. This gives your dish the right taste and consistency as expected.

• Right color: Look for a squash that has a uniform, deep beige color. Do not buy any that has green patches or cuts on the surface since they can be an indication of an underripe or banged squash.
• Check the skin: A well mature squash should have skin that looks dull and dry, no soft place on the surface and no marks. If the skin is shiny, it may not be the right time for squash harvest yet. Plus, gentle spots could be a signal that it’s beginning to spoil.
• Weight test: Select the squash that feels heavy for its size. This means that the fruit is dense and full of moisture. A good sign of freshness.
• Stem inspection: A ripe squash should have an intact, dry, and firm stem. If the stem is soft or missing, it may indicate that the squash was harvested too long ago or is more likely to rot.
• Tapping: Gently tap the squash with your knuckles. If it sounds hollow, it may be underripe or drying out. A ripe one will have a solid, dense sound when tapped.
• Consider the shape: Look for a squash that has a long neck and a small bulbous end. Long neck squashes contain more flesh and fewer seeds than the short neck varieties and that makes them preferable for preparation.

There are several ways to cook this winter squash. The following are the six most popular ones. Just enjoy them however you like -no compromise!

1. Roasting

This approach is a simple and scrumptious way to enjoy squash, and you may have already attempted it. Imagine a caramelized golden exterior and a gentle inside -what more could you ask for?

Ingredients:

• Butternut squash
• Olive oil
• Salt and Pepper
• Herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. First of all, set the oven to 400°F to preheat.
2. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This way the squash does not have contact with the pan. This is to avoid it from sticking. 
3. Peel and seed the vegetable (technically a fruit). Cut them into 1-inch cubes. You could even buy the pre-cut tips or use frozen cubed squash.
4. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Now, you need to spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
5. Now, pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast the squash pieces until they're fork-gentle, golden, and caramelized simply around the edges. It should take 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Shake the pan halfway through roasting. This will promote even cooking and crisping.
7. Keep an eye on the edges. If they are golden, turn them with a slotted spoon.
8. You can use larger cubes or extend the roasting time to about 40 minutes if you want softer squash.

2. Steaming

Planning to make purees, baby food, or a healthy side? Steam your squash. This way, you preserve its nutrients while also achieving tender, smooth texture.

Ingredients:

• Butternut squash
• Water

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting off the top and bottom ends. This creates a flat surface. Then, cut the butternut squash into even-sized pieces.
2. Next, take a big pot, fill it with water about 2 inches and bring it to a boil.
3. Place a steamer basket within the pot. Remember that the water should not touch the bottom of the basket.
4. Add the cubed squash to the steamer and cover the pot with a lid.
5. Steam for around 20 minutes. To check the doneness, pierce the cubes with fork, it should be tender.
6. Once done, remove the cubes from the basket and serve. Eat it as is or use it in recipes like purees, salads, or soups.

3. Boiling

This method works when you want your squash smooth for mashing or pureeing. It's the simplest of all, and guess what? You just need water for this technique.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Butternut Squash

Instructions:

1. First, cut the squash in half, using a spoon, take out the seeds and throw them away. After that cut it into equal size cubes.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cubes and make certain they are fully submerged.
3. Now, you need to reduce the warmth slightly and allow the squash boil for 10-15 minutes. Or till the cubes are fork-tender.
4. Once the squash is smooth, drain it with the use of a colander.
5. Let it cool down for some time and your squash is prepared to be served.

4. Microwaving

When you're short on time and searching for something brief and easy, prepare this vegetable in microwave. You will nevertheless enjoy its rich, sweet taste.

Ingredients:

• Squash

Instructions:

1. Take a whole squash, put it onto a heat resistant plate. Next, heat on high for 10-12 minutes with the microwave. Turn the vegetable midway through the cooking time.
2. The timing may additionally vary depending on the size of the squash and the power of your microwave.
3. You’ll recognize the squash is done when it feels gentle to touch and can be, without difficulty, pierced with a fork.
4. After cooking, carefully remove the squash from the microwave -it'll be very warm. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before dealing with it.
5. Once cooled slightly, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Take out the seeds and discard. The flesh should be smooth and ready to use.
6. Simply scoop out the cooked flesh and use it in numerous butternut squash recipes, including soups, purees, or side dishes, or, why not, dice it and use it in other dishes?

5. Air Frying

For crispy, golden-brown cubes with a soft inside, air fry your squash. This technique uses less oil than traditional frying and is on the more healthy aspect.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: herbs and spices
• Butternut squash

Instructions:

1. First, squash is advised to be cut into cubes, about one inch. Then they should all be put into a large bowl. 
2. Toss the pieces slightly by drizzling olive oil over them so that all pieces are not sticking to each other.
3. Seasoning time! Season with salt, pepper and any other favored spice or herbs -garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.
4. Mix the squash roughly to allow the seasonings to be spread all over it.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375F then allow it heat for a few minutes before you operate it. Following that, arrange the seasoned cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. However, do not pack the pieces too close.
6. Cook squash for about 10-20 minutes, tossing the basket halfway.
7. After this is done, the squash should turn crispy on the outer part while soft on the inside. In case of softer bites, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until you get the desired crispness.
8. Remove the squash from the air fryer, and use it right away.

6. Grilling

If you want to introduce a feature of smoke and charcoal to your squash? Simply grill it. This technique adds a fun element, and you can enjoy outdoor cooking with your loved ones.

Ingredients:

• Squash
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Herbs and spices

Instructions:

1. To start, place the squash slices or wedges in a large bowl. Add olive oil and mix nicely.
2. Next, you need to season with salt and pepper and any desired spices.
3. Consider herbs such as thyme, rosemary or a quick shot of smoky sweetness by adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
4. After that turn your grill to medium-high heat; 375°F – 400°F. When using charcoal you should arrange the coals nicely for equal distribution of heat to the food.
5. After preheating, arrange the squash slices right on the grill grates. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear. The slices must be gentle.
6. Be careful, so that you do not overcook this vegetable as it could emerge as too gentle and lose its shape.

The cooking time can range depending on the technique you operate and the thickness of the squash. Here’s a simple guide to the timing for various techniques:

1. Roasting

Time: 25-40 minutes

Temperature: 400°F

Description: Peel and chop the squash into equal portions, season, and roast until soft and slightly brown.

2. Steaming

Time: 15-20 minutes

Temperature: Boiling water in a pot with a steamer basket

Description: Peel and cube the squash, then steam until tender. Ideal for purees and mashing.

3. Boiling

Time: 10-15 minutes

Temperature: High heat

Description: Boil cubed squash in water until fork-tender, perfect for soups or mashed dishes.

4. Microwaving

Time: 8-12 minutes

Temperature: High (Microwave setting)

Description: Microwave whole or cubed squash until soft, a quick method for preparing squash.

5. Air Frying

Time: 10-20 minutes

Temperature: 375°F (190°C)

Description: Toss cubed squash with oil and seasonings, then air fry until crispy and tender.

6. Grilling

Time: 8-10 minutes

Temperature: Medium-high heat (375 to 400°F)

Description: Grill thick slices or wedges of squash, turning once, till you notice grill marks.

Besides the estimated timing, it’s wise to check the readiness of your squash several minutes before the suggested time. Start with a visual inspection.

The squash should have a slight golden or caramelized coloring on the outside, especially if roasting or grilling.

Next, use a fork to pierce a piece; it should slide in easily.

For an even better indication, take a small piece and taste it; the squash should be tender and have a sweet, rich flavor.

• Choose the Right Squash: Pick a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size, with smooth, hard skin. Avoid any with soft spots, wrinkles, or cracks. The deeper the color, the sweeter the squash is likely to be.
• Prep It Properly: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to eliminate the hard skin. Trim the top and bottom ends for balance when cutting. Slicing the squash in half (lengthwise) and scooping out the seeds makes it simpler to handle.
• Uniform Size: Cut the squash into equal portions for even cooking. Whether you are roasting, boiling, or grilling, consistency in length ensures that all pieces cook at an equal rate.
• Avoid Overcrowding: It is recommended to space out all the pieces of squash to have one layer when using the roasting or air frying method. Crowding can cause it to steam instead of caramelize.

This type of winter squash is quite versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Moreover, there is the bonus of many associated health benefits of butternut squash that make it even more desirable to consume.

• Soup: The photography of this soup looks very delicious and a warm squash soup is enough to deal with the cold. You can always prepare one with minimum effort to enjoy when the craving comes.
• Salad: Try tossing roasted squash cubes to mixed greens with cranberries, goat cheese and walnuts. The only thing that may be required at this time is a dash of balsamic vinaigrette to enhance the brightness of a smooth and wholesome salad.
• Puree: Just blend the roasted cubes until smooth, adding a little water or broth if you like. That’s it! It’s ready -perfect for soups, sauces, or baking!

To store whole butternut squash, preserve it in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated location, which includes a pantry or cellar. There it can last 1-3 months.

Once cut or peeled, wrap the squash tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 4-5 days.

For cooked squash, you can refrigerate them for 3-5 days.

For long-term storage, squash can be frozen. First, let it cool completely, then switch it to a freezer-safe container or bag, label it with the date, and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating

It is easy to reheat the stored squash! Simply put it in a microwave-secure dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in quick bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until it is warmed through.

For a more rustic touch, you can also reheat the squash in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally until it's heated to your liking.