Velvety Orange-Infused Winter Squash Mash
Delight in this velvety mash of winter squashes, featuring the complementary flavors of orange butter that elevate the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Roasting the butternut and acorn squashes caramelizes their sugars, creating a deeply flavorful side dish that's perfect for any holiday feast or cozy dinner. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a standalone vegetarian option. Feel free to enhance the dish with a splash of bourbon and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a festive twist! Whether you're serving it alongside juicy Cornish game hens or simply savoring it with sautéed greens, this mash will warm your heart and excite your palate.
4
Servings
63
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
1 (small, halved and seeds scooped)
Acorn squash
1 (halved and seeds scooped)
Unsalted butter
3 (tablespoons, at room temperature)
Orange juice
1/4 (cup, freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the butternut and acorn squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
4
Place the squashes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced, and roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
5
Once the squashes are cool enough to handle, gently scoop out the soft flesh into a mixing bowl using a spoon.
6
Add the unsalted butter to the warm squash flesh and mash together until well combined and creamy.
7
Gradually stir in the orange juice a little at a time, adjusting the amount as necessary to achieve your desired creamy consistency akin to mashed potatoes.
8
If desired, incorporate extra butter for a richer flavor.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm, garnishing with a drizzle of orange zest or a sprinkle of herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
8.5g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Orange-Infused Winter Squash Mash?
It is a creamy side dish made from roasted butternut and acorn squashes, flavored with unsalted butter and fresh orange juice.
How long does it take to roast the squashes?
The squashes should be roasted in the oven for 45-60 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
What oven temperature is required for roasting?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before roasting the squashes.
Which types of squash are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one small butternut squash and one acorn squash.
How do I prepare the squashes before cooking?
Cut the squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before placing them on a baking sheet.
Should the squash be placed cut-side up or down?
Place the squashes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet to roast.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 63 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 3g of fat.
How much sugar is in the squash mash?
There are approximately 2.5g of sugar per serving.
Can I add extra flavors to the mash?
Yes, you can enhance the dish with a splash of bourbon and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a festive twist.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
Mash the roasted squash with room temperature butter and gradually stir in orange juice until it reaches a consistency similar to mashed potatoes.
What should I use for a garnish?
You can garnish the dish with a drizzle of orange zest or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
What type of orange juice is best?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Do I need to peel the squash?
No, you roast the squash in the skin and then scoop the soft flesh out once it is cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What main dishes pair well with this mash?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like Cornish game hens or can be served alongside sautéed greens.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, though the recipe calls for unsalted butter to better control the flavor; adjust any additional seasoning accordingly.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
There is approximately 1.5g of fiber per serving.
How do I know when the squash is done?
The squash is ready when the flesh is completely tender and easy to scoop with a spoon.
Why should I line the baking sheet?
Lining the sheet with aluminum foil allows for much easier cleanup after roasting.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made in advance and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is approximately 0.5g of protein per serving.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it incorporates smoothly into the warm squash.
Can I use a food processor for the mash?
Yes, if you prefer an even smoother, pureed texture, you can use a food processor instead of mashing by hand.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and uses natural ingredients like winter squash and fresh juice.
Can I use other citrus juices?
While orange juice is specified for its sweetness, you could experiment with tangerine or blood orange juice for similar results.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 8.5g of carbohydrates.