5 delicious ideas for cooking butternut squash this fall 🍂
Autumn-winter season Melting texture Rich in fiber & beta-carotene Anti-waste 🥗
Why cook butternut squash?
Butternut squash is a bit of a star on our plates as soon as the leaves turn russet. Its velvety, slightly sweet flesh brings real comfort to fall and winter dishes 🍁. Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants (especially beta-carotene), it has all the right nutritional benefits.
Easy to cook, butternut squash lends itself to all your desires: roasted, blended, stuffed, or even transformed into an amazing dessert! If you're still hesitant to adopt it, know that it can be easily stored for several weeks and can be cooked both alone or with other seasonal vegetables.
For more recipe ideas, be sure to check out our weekly selection on Neary.
Gourmet ideas to try
Oven-roasted butternut squash, simple and fragrant
Cut the squash into cubes or half-moons without necessarily peeling it: drizzle with olive oil, add a pinch of fleur de sel, thyme, a hint of smoked paprika and bake at 200°C. After thirty to forty minutes, the flesh will be tender and slightly caramelized. Perfect as a side dish, on a quinoa salad or in an autumnal bowl 🥗.
Creamy butternut squash soup
Sauté an onion and a clove of garlic in a little oil, add the diced squash, and cover with water or stock. Simmer until tender, then blend for a long time to obtain an ultra-smooth velouté. You can enrich the texture by adding a touch of vegetable cream, or blend with a small potato. For an even more velvety result, use a powerful blender .
Creamy Squash and Cheese Gratin
Layer thin slices of butternut squash, potatoes, and cheese (Comté, goat, or Parmesan), top with cream, and season generously. Bake for an irresistible gratin crust. This comforting dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, and can be used with any leftovers in the fridge.
Homemade butternut gnocchi
Mix the mashed roasted squash flesh with flour, an egg yolk, salt, and a little nutmeg. Form small sausages, cut, shape, then poach in boiling water until they rise. Brown them in a pan with a drizzle of oil (why not in an air fryer ?) and serve with sage butter or a creamy sauce.
Mild butternut and chickpea curry
Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and mild curry, then add squash and chickpeas, then moisten with coconut milk. Simmer until everything is tender. This complete, vegan, and ultra-comforting dish is perfect with basmati rice or naan. A must-have for warming up on autumn evenings!
Tips and variations to enhance butternut squash
Budget, purchases & useful equipment
Butternut squash is generally affordable, especially during peak season (September to March). Choose locally sourced or organic options for optimal flavor. An average piece weighs between 1.2 and 1.8 kg and will keep for several weeks in a cool place.
Equipment-wise, a good chef's knife, a sturdy chopping board, and a small blender or immersion blender are all you need for most recipes. For quick, unattended cooking, an air fryer is also a great option: it makes squash golden and tender in the blink of an eye.
Looking for something different? Discover our selection of barbecue and grill dishes to extend the flavors of summer with squash, or explore our weekly recipes featuring seasonal vegetables.
Butternut Squash FAQ
Can you eat the skin of a butternut squash?
Yes, the skin becomes tender when cooked (especially in the oven or steamed). Just wash the squash well. Avoid this only if the skin is very thick or damaged.
How do you know if a squash is ripe?
Ripe butternut squash is heavy for its size, its skin is uniformly beige, matte, and hard. If the stalk is dry, it's the best!
How to store butternut squash?
Store it whole in a dry, cool, dark place (cellar, pantry). Cut, it can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, protected in film or a box.
Can you freeze butternut squash?
Yes, after peeling and cutting it into cubes. Blanch the pieces for two minutes in boiling water then cool before freezing. Practical for quick soups!
What seasonings work with butternut squash?
Mild spices (curry, smoked paprika, cinnamon), fresh herbs, garlic, cheese, nuts, cream, or even a hint of honey or hazelnut.
Stuck for ideas? Explore our collection of seasonal recipes or grab a blender for the perfect creamy soup. Quick recipe: dice the butternut squash, drizzle with oil, salt, and curry powder, pop in the air fryer ... and enjoy!
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