Recipe by Chef Cindy
Butternut Squash is one of those vegetables that pops into mind when thinking of the Fall Season. It is an easy ingredient to work with in recipes and quite versatile to use in recipes. One of the most popular ways to cook Butternut Squash is to roast it. You can cut it in half and burn it with the cut side down. This is great for recipes that require it mashed or puréed. Or, you can prep it to be cubed, which we guide you with below. Either way, this is a delicious seasonal vegetable you’ll enjoy cooking with.
How do you select butternut squash?
It is important to select a butternut squash that is solid matte beige and free of cuts & bruises. Pick it up and feel its weight. If it feels hard and heavy for its size, it should be perfectly ripe. Compare to other butternut squashes in the batch and you will be able to judge it better. If it seems like it is hollow inside (tap on it) , it is not ready to eat! Also, look for a stem that is brown, intact and firm to touch.
Look for one that has a longer neck than bulb at the end. The bulb end (rounded part) is where the seeds are, and the neck is the part you can simply slice and then cube, as pictured below.
How do you cut & prep butternut squash?
Cut off the ends first, which gives a flat side to stand the squash up. I then use a chef’s knife to cut the outer skin off. You can also use a peeler if you prefer. The I separate the bulb section from the neck. Simply slice & cube the neck to whatever size you prefer for your recipe. For the bulb side, I cut as close to where the seeds are and them cube those sections. Or, you can slice in half, scoop out the seeds, and then cube.
How to roast butternut squash
- Preheat oven to about 375°
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place the cubed butternut squash in a large mixing bowl (approximately 6 cups)
- Measure and mix in 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Stir until completely coated and then place on baking sheet
- Roast for approximately 45 minutes
When the butternut squash is finished roasting, measure out the amount you need for your recipe and get cooking! The best is, you can use the leftover squash for other recipes.
What is component cooking?
Component cooking is the idea of using products that are in season to create a meal that isn’t recipe driven but rather uses food building blocks that are combined to create a meal. As mentioned throughout the post, butternut squash can be roasted ahead of time and then transformed through its use in many different recipes. Component cooking allows you to get creative with your ingredients and is also a great way to reduce food waste!
To see the original post for this recipe click on the link below:
Leave a Reply