I’m sitting here, looking out at patches of snow in my yard and thinking about cooking in the winter.
Winter cooking is comforting, warm and filling. You want it to be satisfying yet also healthful and colorful (even though the world is a little less colorful).
Winter ingredients are a little more tricky to seek out than spring and summer’s obvious bounty.
For me, a key winter ingredient is the butternut squash.
This flavorful and hearty squash makes a wonderful addition to any salad, soup or main dish. Its flavor goes so well with most other ingredients that you can add it in most anything to make it tasty. As long as you have a big knife to crack it open, you’re golden.
Tell me more:
Butternut squash is a winter squash that grows on a vine. It is shaped like a gourd with a beige outer skin (that needs to be peeled) and orange inside. This type of squash tastes sweet and nutty like a pumpkin.
Where do I buy butternut squash:
Butternut squash (and sweet potatoes) is a staple at your winter farmers market, if you have one. If not, you can find them at your normal grocery store in the produce section. Look for a squash that is firm with smooth skin.
How do I store butternut squash:
Another fabulous thing about this special squash is that it lasts for quite awhile in your pantry. Keep it in a cool, dry area (like your pantry, maybe next to your potatoes), and it will last up to 6 months! This gives you a great reason to buy a butternut squash and then take your time figuring out how you want to use it.
How can I use butternut squash:
Speaking of using this lovely orange squash, here are some ideas!
Like I said earlier, if you have a good, sharp knife, then you’re in business. Although you can roast a butternut squash halved in the oven (seeds removed, face up at 400 F for about an hour) to use it’s innards in a recipe, it’s also nice to cut into cubes and roast to use in any number of ways.
I like to think that any way you would use a sweet potato, you can sub for butternut squash.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make a killer/sophisticated soup or a curry soup (the squash makes it super creamy)
- They are delicious in enchiladas or tacos
- Impress with this super easy pangrattato as a side dish
- Use in your favorite risotto (sub for sweet potatoes) or even pasta sauce
- Mashed butternut squash– yum!
- A simple, healthy salad or sub the carrots for squash in this tasty salad
- Make healthier brownies
How do you use butternut squash?