Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Purée
Discover the creamy indulgence of Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Purée, a perfect side dish to complement your cozy autumn gatherings or holiday feasts. This delightful recipe brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash, enhanced with a hint of brown sugar and a touch of butter for richness. Easy to prepare and stunningly delicious, this dish is an elegant offering to elevate any meal, especially during the Thanksgiving season. With its smooth texture and comforting aroma, this purée is bound to become a family favorite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
2 medium (4 to 5 lbs) (peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
half-and-half or evaporated milk
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
2. Begin by trimming the ends of the butternut squash and peeling them thoroughly. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and dice into uniform 3/4 inch cubes for even roasting.
3
3. Spread the squash cubes onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the mixture to ensure each piece is well-coated, then arrange them in a single layer.
4
4. Place in the oven and roast for approximately 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking, until the squash is tender but not overly browned.
5
5. Once roasted, transfer the squash along with any accumulated pan juices into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend until the purée reaches a smooth consistency akin to that of mashed potatoes. You may need to add half-and-half or evaporated milk to reach your desired texture.
6
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the purée hot as a luxurious accompaniment to your meal. For slight adjustments in thickness, consider adding a splash of milk, orange juice, or water.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Purée?
It is a creamy and indulgent side dish featuring roasted butternut squash, butter, and brown sugar, blended to a smooth consistency.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the squash.
How long does the butternut squash need to roast?
The squash cubes should be roasted for approximately 30 minutes.
What size should the butternut squash be cut into?
The squash should be cut into uniform 3/4 inch cubes to ensure even roasting.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, the squash must be thoroughly peeled and the ends trimmed before dicing.
How much butternut squash is required?
The recipe calls for 2 medium butternut squash, weighing between 4 to 5 lbs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifies using 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
Can I use half-and-half or evaporated milk?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of either half-and-half or evaporated milk to achieve the desired texture.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
1/4 cup of packed brown sugar is used to enhance the natural sweetness of the squash.
Should I stir the squash while it is in the oven?
Yes, stir the squash cubes halfway through the roasting time to promote even cooking.
How do I create the smooth purée consistency?
Once roasted, use an electric mixer to blend the squash and pan juices until smooth.
What should I do if the purée is too thick?
You can add a splash of milk, orange juice, or water to adjust the thickness to your preference.
What kind of salt and pepper are recommended?
Use 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Should I use parchment paper for roasting?
Yes, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is recommended for easy cleanup.
What is the ideal texture for this purée?
The texture should be very smooth, similar to that of mashed potatoes.
Can I add orange juice to the mixture?
Yes, orange juice can be used as a liquid adjustment to thin the purée or add flavor.
Is this a good dish for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an elegant offering for holiday feasts and Thanksgiving.
Should I include the juices from the roasting pan?
Yes, transfer the roasted squash along with any accumulated pan juices to the mixing bowl.
How do I ensure the squash doesn't get too brown?
Roast it until tender but keep an eye on it to ensure it does not become overly browned.
Can I use a regular spoon to mash the squash?
While you can, an electric mixer is recommended to achieve the specific velvety, smooth consistency.
What category of food does this belong to?
This is categorized as a Vegetable side dish.
Is the brown sugar packed?
Yes, the 1/4 cup of brown sugar should be packed.
Do I need to remove the seeds?
Yes, you should scoop out and discard the seeds after cutting the squash in half.
How should the squash cubes be arranged on the pan?
Arrange the cubes in a single layer to ensure they roast properly rather than steaming.
Should the purée be served hot or cold?
The purée should be served hot as a luxurious accompaniment to your meal.
Can I adjust the seasoning after blending?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary after the squash is puréed.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food recipe.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
It is naturally sweet from the squash and brown sugar, enriched with butter and balanced with salt and pepper.