Creamy Calabaza Mash
Creamy Calabaza Mash is a delightful West Indian side dish that combines the natural sweetness of calabaza squash (often mistaken for pumpkin) with aromatic spices for an unforgettable flavor experience. This comforting mash is perfect as a side dish to accompany your favorite proteins or as a filling topping for roti, a traditional flatbread. Each bite offers a rich, creamy texture and a hint of warmth from cumin, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Elevate your culinary repertoire with this vibrant and nutritious dish that celebrates the heart of Caribbean cuisine.
4
Servings
50
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Cumin Seeds
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Calabaza Squash or Butternut Squash
2 cups (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
Salt
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the cumin seeds to the pan and let them cook until they start to pop and develop a lovely aroma, about 30 seconds.
5
Incorporate the chopped calabaza squash (or butternut squash), sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
6
Pour in 1/4 cup of water, cover the saucepan with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the squash to steam for about 10 minutes, or until it is tender.
7
Once tender, remove the lid and mash the squash with a fork or a potato masher until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
8
Season with salt to taste, if desired. If there's still water in the pan, cover and let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed.
9
Remove the pot from heat and serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside rice or roti.
Nutrition Information
1.25g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Calabaza Mash?
Creamy Calabaza Mash is a West Indian side dish that blends the sweetness of calabaza squash with aromatic spices like cumin and garlic.
What is calabaza squash?
Calabaza is a type of squash often found in Caribbean cuisine that is frequently mistaken for pumpkin due to its flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for calabaza squash in this recipe?
You can use butternut squash as a substitute for calabaza squash in this recipe.
Is Creamy Calabaza Mash vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian and also vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable oil and plant-based ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 50 calories per serving of Creamy Calabaza Mash.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 1.25g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 8.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 0.75g of protein.
What spices are used in this mash?
The primary spices used are minced garlic and cumin seeds.
How should I prepare the calabaza squash?
The squash should be chopped into 1-inch pieces before cooking.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
How long should the garlic be cooked?
Cook the minced garlic for approximately 1-2 minutes until it is fragrant and lightly golden.
What is the purpose of cooking the cumin seeds?
Cumin seeds are cooked until they pop to develop a lovely aroma and release their flavor into the dish.
How much water is needed to steam the squash?
You need 1/4 cup of water to steam the squash.
What is the recommended cooking time for steaming the squash?
The squash should be covered and steamed for about 10 minutes until it is tender.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
Once tender, mash the squash with a fork or a potato masher until it is smooth and creamy.
What should I do if there is still water in the pan after mashing?
If liquid remains, cover the pan and let it simmer until the water is completely absorbed.
Is salt required in this recipe?
Salt is optional and should be added to taste according to your preference.
What are some suggested pairings for this dish?
It is delicious when served alongside rice, proteins, or used as a filling for roti.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish has a rich, creamy, and smooth texture once mashed.
Can this dish be served warm?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the mash warm for the best flavor experience.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is 'easy recipe'.
How much cumin seed is needed?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of cumin seeds.
What size onion should be used?
A small onion, chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
According to the nutrition data provided, cholesterol information is not listed, but the ingredients are naturally cholesterol-free.
What cuisine is this dish from?
This dish is a part of Caribbean and West Indian cuisine.