Savory Pumpkin-Apple Mash with Cranberries
This delightful dish combines the earthy sweetness of sugar pumpkins or butternut squash with the tartness of golden delicious apples, creating a perfect side for fall gatherings or holiday feasts. Enhanced with rich butter and zesty lemon rind, this creamy mash is both comforting and nutritious. Topped with sweetened cranberries for a pop of color and flavor, it’s a dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making your dinner prep easier. Simply reheat before serving for a warm, inviting addition to your meal that balances savory and sweet perfectly.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried sweetened cranberries
2 tablespoons (Soaked in boiling water)
Sugar pumpkin or butternut squash
3 pounds (Halved, seeds and strings removed)
Golden delicious apples
3 large (about 1 1/2 pounds) (Halved and cored)
Butter
1/4 cup (Cut into small pieces)
Freshly grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons (Grated from a fresh lemon)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the dried sweetened cranberries in a small bowl and covering them with 1 cup of boiling water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes to plump up.
2
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3
Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange the halved pumpkins and apples, cut side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the pumpkin is fork-tender and the apples are soft enough to mash.
5
Once done, remove from the oven and allow the pumpkin and apples to cool to room temperature.
6
Scoop out the soft pulp from the cooled pumpkin and apples into a large mixing bowl.
7
Add the small pieces of butter, freshly grated lemon rind, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
8
Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the combination until smooth and creamy.
9
Transfer the mashed mixture into a serving dish. If desired, reheat in the microwave until warm.
10
Drain the cranberries and sprinkle them generously over the top of the mashed pumpkin-apple mixture just before serving, adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
19
Carbs
1
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pumpkin-Apple Mash with Cranberries?
It is a creamy side dish that combines sugar pumpkins or butternut squash with golden delicious apples, butter, and lemon rind, topped with sweetened cranberries.
What kind of pumpkin should I use for this recipe?
You should use sugar pumpkins, which are smaller and sweeter than carving pumpkins.
Can I substitute butternut squash for the pumpkin?
Yes, the recipe specifically allows for 3 pounds of either sugar pumpkin or butternut squash.
Which apples are best for this mash?
Golden delicious apples are recommended for their tartness and soft texture when baked.
How do I prepare the dried cranberries?
Cover 2 tablespoons of dried sweetened cranberries with 1 cup of boiling water and let them soak for 15 minutes.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long do the pumpkin and apples need to bake?
Bake them for approximately 40 minutes or until the pumpkin is fork-tender.
Should I peel the pumpkin and apples before baking?
No, bake them halved and cut side down, then scoop out the soft pulp after they have cooled.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Lightly coat the baking sheet with cooking spray before arranging the fruits and vegetables.
Can I use an electric mixer for the mash?
Yes, you can use either a potato masher or an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this mash can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
How do I reheat the pumpkin-apple mash?
You can reheat the mixture in the microwave until it is warm.
What does the lemon rind add to the flavor profile?
The freshly grated lemon rind adds a zesty brightness that balances the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 133 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 6 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this mash?
Each serving contains 19 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe provide any protein?
Yes, it provides 1 gram of protein per serving.
When should the cranberries be added?
Drain the soaked cranberries and sprinkle them over the top of the mash just before serving.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter, cut into small pieces.
How much salt and pepper is required?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How many apples do I need?
You will need 3 large golden delicious apples, which is approximately 1 1/2 pounds.
How much lemon rind is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon rind.
What should I do with the pumpkin seeds?
The seeds and strings should be removed before halving and baking the pumpkin.
Is this a good holiday side dish?
Yes, it is ideal for fall gatherings and holiday feasts due to its seasonal ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: cranberries, pumpkin/squash, apples, butter, lemon rind, salt, and pepper.
Should the cranberries be drained before serving?
Yes, make sure to drain the liquid from the cranberries before topping the mash.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While it can be eaten at room temperature, it is best served warm.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the apples are done baking?
The apples are done when they are soft enough to be easily mashed.