Velvety Maple Butternut Squash Purée
Experience the rich flavors of autumn with this delightful Velvety Maple Butternut Squash Purée. This Native American-inspired dish beautifully combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with warm spices and a hint of maple syrup. Ideal as a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, elevating your meal with both color and flavor. Enjoy the creamy texture and comforting essence of this seasonal delight, a perfect addition to any festive gathering or weeknight dinner.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1.5 lbs (peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks)
mace
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
maple syrup
1 tablespoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
butter
2 teaspoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your steamer or pot filled with water for boiling.
2
Carefully cut the butternut squash in half, using a spoon to scrape out the seeds and fibrous material.
3
Cut the squash into 2-inch chunks for even cooking.
4
Place the squash in a steamer basket (for steaming) or directly in boiling water, and cover. Steam for 30 minutes or boil for 20 minutes, until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5
Once cooked, remove the squash from heat and allow it to cool slightly until manageable.
6
Gently slip the skin off the squash pieces. Alternatively, you can scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
7
Transfer the squash flesh to a blender or food processor. Add the mace, allspice, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, and melted butter.
8
Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste if necessary.
9
Serve warm alongside your favorite roasted meats, adding an autumnal flair to your meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Maple Butternut Squash Purée?
It is a smooth and creamy side dish that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with warm spices and a touch of maple syrup.
Is this butternut squash recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses butter and plant-based ingredients.
How long does it take to steam the butternut squash?
Steaming the squash chunks takes approximately 30 minutes until they are tender.
How long does it take to boil the butternut squash?
Boiling the squash chunks takes approximately 20 minutes until they are easily pierced with a fork.
What spices are included in this purée?
The recipe features a blend of ground mace, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative or coconut oil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What size should I cut the butternut squash?
For even cooking, the squash should be cut into 2-inch chunks.
Should I peel the squash before cooking?
You can peel it beforehand, or you can steam it with the skin on and slip the skin off after it has cooked.
How do I remove the seeds from the squash?
Cut the squash in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and fibrous material.
What equipment do I need to make the purée smooth?
You will need a blender or a food processor to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
What does this dish pair well with?
It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, making it an excellent side for festive meals.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey or agave nectar as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
What is the culinary inspiration for this dish?
This recipe is a Native American-inspired dish.
How do I store leftovers of the purée?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can this purée be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the purée in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have mace?
If you do not have mace, you can substitute it with a similar amount of ground nutmeg.
Is this recipe suitable for the fall season?
Yes, the use of squash, cinnamon, and maple syrup makes it a perfect autumnal dish.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of melted butter.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can use frozen squash; simply cook it until it is tender enough to be puréed.
How much maple syrup is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
What should I do if the purée is too thick?
If the purée is too thick, you can add a small splash of water, milk, or additional melted butter to reach your desired consistency.
Can I roast the squash instead of boiling?
Yes, roasting the squash will add a deeper, caramelized flavor to the final purée.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, butternut squash is highly nutritious and provides a good source of fiber and vitamins.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished dish has a velvety, smooth, and creamy texture.
How much squash do I need?
You will need approximately 1.5 lbs of butternut squash.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group.
Is the squash peeled before or after boiling?
The recipe suggests you can slip the skin off after cooking, or peel and chunk it before boiling.
Can I serve this purée cold?
While it is best served warm, it can be eaten cold or used as a base for other recipes.