Creamy Winter Squash Puree
Transform your favorite hard winter squash, whether it's butternut, acorn, or pumpkin, into a velvety puree that adds depth and flavor to a variety of dishes! This simple recipe eliminates the need for peeling, showcasing the nutritious skin while maintaining a smooth and delightful texture. Ideal for soups, sauces, breads, and desserts, this versatile puree is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your cooking. Explore creative dressings with butter, cream, maple syrup, spices, or nuts for an added twist. Perfect for meal prepping, this puree can be frozen and ready for use whenever inspiration strikes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hard winter squash (butternut, acorn, or pumpkin)
1 (whole)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the whole squash or pumpkin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for about 60 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
3
Once cooked, remove the squash from the oven and let it cool enough to handle safely.
4
Slice the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. You can discard the seeds or rinse and dry them to use in another recipe (like toasting for a snack!).
5
In a high-speed blender (like a Vitamix), combine the squash flesh and optional skin with a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
6
Once pureed, allow the mixture to cool, then transfer to freezer-safe ziplock bags or containers, measuring out about 2 cups per bag.
7
Label and freeze until you’re ready to use it in your favorite recipes, like pies, soups, or as a sauce base!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Winter Squash Puree?
It is a velvety puree made from roasted winter squash like butternut, acorn, or pumpkin, which can be used in various recipes.
Which types of squash are best for this puree?
You can use any hard winter squash, specifically butternut, acorn, or pumpkin.
Do I need to peel the squash before roasting?
No, this recipe eliminates the need for peeling, as the skin is blended into the puree for added nutrition.
What is the roasting temperature for the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to roast the squash?
It typically takes about 60 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
Should I roast the squash whole?
Yes, you can place the whole squash or pumpkin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
How do I know when the squash is finished cooking?
The squash is done when it is tender and shows signs of caramelization.
What should I do with the squash seeds?
Once the squash is cooked and sliced, scoop out the seeds; you can discard them or rinse and toast them for a snack.
Is the skin of the squash included in the puree?
Yes, including the skin adds nutrients and maintains a smooth texture when using a high-speed blender.
What equipment is needed to make the puree smooth?
A high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix, is recommended to achieve a completely creamy consistency.
What ingredients are required?
The basic recipe requires just one hard winter squash and a pinch of salt.
How do I store the finished puree?
Transfer the cooled puree to freezer-safe ziplock bags or containers.
Can I freeze this squash puree?
Yes, this puree is ideal for freezing and meal prepping.
How much puree should I put in each freezer bag?
Measuring out about 2 cups per bag is recommended for easy use in future recipes.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is naturally vegan.
Is the puree gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
What can I use winter squash puree for?
It is versatile and can be used in soups, sauces, breads, desserts, and pies.
How can I add extra flavor to the puree?
You can explore additions like butter, cream, maple syrup, spices, or nuts.
Can I use this as a soup base?
Absolutely, it serves as an excellent flavorful base for various vegetable soups.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and fiber into your diet.
Do I need to add water when blending?
The recipe calls for just the squash flesh and a pinch of salt, but you can adjust based on your blender's needs.
Can I use this puree for pumpkin pie?
Yes, it is a perfect homemade alternative to canned pumpkin for pies and desserts.
How do I label the stored puree?
Label the bags with the date and quantity (e.g., 2 cups) before placing them in the freezer.
Can I add maple syrup to the puree?
Yes, maple syrup is a suggested addition for a sweeter flavor profile.
Does roasting the squash whole make it easier?
Yes, roasting it whole saves the effort of raw peeling and chopping.
Is salt necessary in the puree?
A pinch of salt is used to enhance the natural flavors of the squash.
Can children eat this puree?
Yes, its smooth texture and mild flavor make it very kid-friendly.
How long should I let the squash cool before handling?
Let it cool enough so that you can safely slice it and scoop the seeds without burning yourself.
Does the variety of squash change the flavor?
Yes, butternut is typically sweeter, while acorn is milder and pumpkin is more earthy.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, it is a fantastic meal prep item that can be frozen and used whenever needed.