Best 20 Squash Puree Recipes

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## Introduction

Embark on a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide to squash puree, a delectable and versatile dish that caters to diverse taste buds and dietary preferences. Discover the art of transforming humble squash into a creamy, flavorful puree, perfect as a standalone side dish, an accompaniment to hearty mains, or even as a secret ingredient in your favorite recipes.

This article presents a collection of diverse squash puree recipes, each offering unique flavor profiles and culinary applications. From the classic butternut squash puree, a comforting and nutritious staple, to the vibrant pumpkin puree, synonymous with fall festivities, our recipes explore the culinary potential of various squash varieties.

Delve into the rich, earthy notes of kabocha squash puree, a Japanese favorite known for its nutty flavor and deep orange hue. Experience the subtle sweetness of acorn squash puree, an autumnal delight with a hint of natural sugars. Discover the delicate and versatile nature of delicata squash puree, a delightful addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Whether you're seeking a creamy base for soups, a flavorful spread for sandwiches, or a nutritious addition to baked goods, our squash puree recipes provide endless possibilities. Dive into a world of culinary creativity and explore the versatile charm of squash in its pureed form.

Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE



Roasted Butternut Squash Puree image

This is very easy and healthy. It tastes like pumpkin pie!

Provided by ChristinaB

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 large butternut squash, halved and seeded
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups chicken stock

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place squash on a baking sheet, flesh-side up.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until tender and slightly brown, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cool until easily handled.
  • Scoop flesh into a food processor; pulse until smooth. Add chicken stock, 1/4 cup at a time, while continuing to pulse, until smooth. Season puree with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.5 calories, Carbohydrate 40.3 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Fat 0.6 g, Fiber 6.8 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 395.2 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE



Butternut Squash Puree image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 butternut squash (about 1 pound each)
4 tablespoons softened butter, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 orange, zested
3 tablespoons orange blossom honey
Pinch ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Halve the squash lengthwise and remove the seeds and strings. Rub the insides with 2 tablespoons softened butter; season with salt and pepper. Place on a roasting pan, skin side down. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until fork tender. Remove the squash from the oven, scoop out the flesh and place in a food processor. Add the orange zest, honey and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Puree until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon. Pulse a few times to incorporate.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CARROT PURéE WITH MAPLE SYRUP



Butternut Squash and Carrot Purée with Maple Syrup image

Categories     Sauté     Thanksgiving     Vegetarian     Orange     Carrot     Butternut Squash     Fall     Maple Syrup     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
1 3 1/2-pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Steps:

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until just tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Add carrots and sauté until coated with butter, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add squash and sauté until beginning to soften, about 8 minutes. Pour orange juice over vegetables. Cover and simmer until vegetables are soft, about 25 minutes. Uncover and simmer until all liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Stir in maple syrup. Cool slightly. Working in batches, puree mixture in processor until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Stir over medium heat to rewarm.)

ROASTED SQUASH PUREE



Roasted Squash Puree image

Use this recipe to make our Indian Pudding, Buttercup Squash Tea Bread, and Butternut Squash Ravioli with Fried Sage Leaves recipes.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Seasonal Recipes     Fall Recipes     Butternut Squash Recipes

Yield Makes about 2 1/4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 2

3 pounds squash, such as butternut, orange Hokkaido, or buttercup, halved and seeded
Canola oil, for baking sheet

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place squash halves, skin side up, on an oiled rimmed baking sheet. Bake until fork-tender, about 1 1/4 hours. Remove from oven. Turn over; let stand until cool enough to handle.
  • Scoop the flesh into a food processor, and discard skin. Puree until smooth. Refrigerate squash puree in an airtight container up to 4 days or store in the freezer up to 1 month.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE



Butternut Squash Puree image

Make this butternut squash purée for a deliciously sweet autumnal side dish everyone will love.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Seasonal Recipes     Fall Recipes     Butternut Squash Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeds reserved, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons honey
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place squash in a large shallow baking dish. Drizzle with butter, and toss to coat. Cover with parchment-lined foil. Transfer to oven, and cook until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, clean seeds and transfer to a small baking sheet; bake until dried out. When dried, cook in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet until golden. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and let stand until cool.
  • Using an immersion blender or working in batches in a blender, puree squash until smooth. Stir in honey, salt, and nutmeg. Transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with roasted seeds.

MAPLE SQUASH PUREE



Maple Squash Puree image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     side-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings, serving size about 2/3 cup

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 (12-ounce) packages frozen cooked butternut squash or winter squash
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Salt

Steps:

  • Put the frozen squash and water into a large saucepan. Cook over a high heat until the Cover and cook over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until squash is thawed, about 10 minutes.
  • Whisk in the butter and maple syrup and season with salt, to taste.

WINTER SQUASH PUREE



Winter Squash Puree image

This delicious recipe for winter squash puree -- a wonderful side dish for holiday meals -- is adapted from "Martha Stewart's Cooking School."

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Seasonal Recipes     Fall Recipes     Butternut Squash Recipes

Yield Makes about 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 pounds butternut, kabocha, or hubbard squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped into 1-inch pieces
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon salt and the squash. Return to a boil, then simmer until very soft, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well.
  • Dry: Return squash to pot and cook over low heat, stirring, to dry squash, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Puree: Working in batches, transfer squash to a food processor. Puree with butter until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

ACORN SQUASH PUREE



Acorn Squash Puree image

"I created this recipe to have a healthy alternative to go along with our Thanksgiving meal. It's been a favorite that everyone loves." Ann Hennessy - Burnsville, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 medium acorn squash
8 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons reduced-fat butter, melted
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons minced chives
2 teaspoons dried basil
3 tablespoons chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan; add 1/2 in. of hot water. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35 minutes. Drain water from pan; turn squash cut side up. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until tender. Cool slightly., Carefully scoop out squash; add to food processor. Add the cream cheese, milk, butter, onion, chives and basil; cover and process until blended. , Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with pecans. Cover and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 187mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

WINTER SQUASH PUREE



Winter Squash Puree image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds winter squash such as Acorn, Hubbard or Butternut
Vegetable oil
1 cup evaporated skim or low fat milk
3 inch piece cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. cut squash in half, scoop out seeds, brush cut surfaces with oil and set them face down on a baking sheet. Bake until very tender, about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how large the squash is.
  • While this is baking, bring the milk, cinnamon stick, cloves and garlic to a simmer. Remove from heat and let the milk infuse while squash is baking.
  • When squash is done, remove it from oven and scoop out the cooked flesh which you should transfer to a food processor or blender. Strain the infused milk to remove the spices and garlic and blend infused milk with the squash to make a puree. Beat in butter if you wish and season to taste with salt and pepper. You can make this in advance and reheat in a double boiler.

ACORN SQUASH PURéE



Acorn Squash Purée image

Categories     Food Processor     Side     Bake     Vegetarian     Low Cal     High Fiber     Squash     Fall     Chill     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 acorn squash, halved, the seeds and strings discarded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
freshly grated nutmeg to taste

Steps:

  • Sprinkle the cavities of the squash halves with salt and arrange the squash, inverted, in one layer in a buttered baking dish. Bake the squash, covered with foil, in the middle of a preheated 375°F. oven for 1 hour and let it cool until it can be handled. Scoop out the squash pulp, discarding the skin, and in a food processor purée it with the butter. Transfer the purée to a saucepan and simmer it, stirring occasionally, until the excess liquid is evaporated. Season the purée with the nutmeg and salt and pepper. The purée may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE WITH ORANGE AND GINGER



Butternut Squash Puree With Orange and Ginger image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     dinner, easy, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 medium-size butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place the squash in a medium-size saucepan and cover with cold water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  • Place the squash in a food processor with the ginger and orange rind. Process until smooth. Add salt and pepper. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 58, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 294 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE PUREE



Butternut Squash and Apple Puree image

This butternut squash and apple puree side dish pairs well with our Bay-Leaf-Crusted Pork Roast.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Seasonal Recipes     Fall Recipes     Butternut Squash Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 large butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 Gala or other sweet apples (about two pounds total), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes

Steps:

  • In a large skillet with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium; add onion, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add squash, apples, and 1 cup water. Cover, and simmer until squash is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. (If skillet becomes dry, add a little water; if liquid has not evaporated by the time squash is cooked, drain.)
  • Transfer squash mixture to a food processor. Add remaining butter; process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper; serve. (If serving later, gently reheat in a medium saucepan over low.)

ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH PURéE



Roasted Delicata Squash Purée image

Provided by Alex Witchel

Categories     side dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 or 3 delicata squash
2 tablespoons canola or other vegetable oil
Salt and white pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Halve squash lengthwise and place on a cookie sheet, cut sides up. Rub with oil, and season with salt and white pepper to taste. Roast until flesh yields easily to the touch, 30 to 60 minutes, depending on size of squash.
  • Remove from oven and scoop out and discard seeds from central cavity. Scoop out flesh and place in a food processor. Process until very smooth. Transfer to a nonstick saucepan, place over low heat, and stir constantly until any liquid has evaporated and squash is dry, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a food mill and press squash through into nonstick saucepan. Stir in butter and cinnamon. Season with salt and white pepper as needed. Return to low heat just until reheated. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 221, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 660 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ROASTED SQUASH AND CARROT PUREE (FAT FREE)



Roasted Squash and Carrot Puree (Fat Free) image

My brother and I have a game each holiday where he tries to figure out which dishes prepared for our Thanksgiving table are lowfat and which are "real food." Let's see if he gets this one right. LOL. Using apple butter in this combination brings what looks like a flavorful side to the table in three simple ingredients and the dish can be prepared the day before and easily reheated. Directions are long, but it is really easy.

Provided by justcallmetoni

Categories     Apple

Time 1h45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 1/2 lbs acorn squash or 4 1/2 lbs butternut squash, about 2-3 large gourds
2 1/2 lbs carrots
1/2 cup apple butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Prepare roasting pan or baking sheet with a lip with a good dose of cooking spray. Lining the pan with foil is a good time saving option here.
  • Prepare the vegetables by cutting both into 1 inch pieces. Even sizes assures even cooking and will be worth the effort.
  • With the squash, use a large chef's knife to cut the squash in half lengthwise, the scoop out the seeds. Use the knife to peel the squash. (Trimming a small amount from the bottom helps the veggie sit on the board.).
  • Peel carrots and cut into 1-inch chunks.
  • Mix squash and carrots with 5 tablespoons apple butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place mixture on baking pan, sprinkle with 3 tablespoons water and cover with foil. Bake for 1 hour.
  • Remove foil. Add 1/2 cup water and bake for 20 minutes more.
  • Transfer vegetables to food processor and process until very smooth. This should be done in batches.
  • Transfer to medium saucepan. Add remaining 3 tablespoons apple butter and salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently before serving.
  • (This dish can also be made early in the day and reheated.).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127.3, Fat 0.4, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 169.2, Carbohydrate 31.9, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 8.4, Protein 2.3

HEALTHY GINGERBREAD SPICE CAKE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE



Healthy Gingerbread Spice Cake With Butternut Squash Puree image

Even though I live in balmy south Florida, where it is pretty much summer year round, I still like to 'get into' the seasons by cooking something festive and seasonally appropriate. I started slowly spiking my recipes with ultra-healthy ingredients (flax, wheat germ, hemp seeds, chickpea puree, etc.) This is a vegetarian and dairy-free recipe.

Provided by Ivy Larson

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Squash     Winter Squash     Butternut Squash

Time 1h5m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 teaspoon extra-virgin coconut oil (such as Barlean's®)
¼ cup extra-virgin coconut oil (such as Barlean's®)
2 cups white whole wheat flour (such as King Arthur®)
¼ cup ground flaxseeds (such as Barlean's®)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 (10 ounce) package frozen butternut squash puree, thawed
½ cup coconut milk
¼ cup molasses
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with 1 teaspoon coconut oil.
  • Place 1/4 cup coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in microwave until melted, about 30 seconds.
  • Mix flour, ground flaxseeds, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and sea salt in a large bowl.
  • Combine brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and egg in a separate large bowl; add squash puree, coconut milk, molasses, and vanilla extract and mix well. Stir flour mixture into squash mixture until batter is smooth. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before turning cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 268.4 calories, Carbohydrate 41.7 g, Cholesterol 18.6 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 186 mg, Sugar 15.4 g

BUTTERNUT-SQUASH-AND-ANCHO-CHILI PUREE



Butternut-Squash-and-Ancho-Chili Puree image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     dinner, side dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 dried ancho chili
1 medium-size butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Scant pinch cayenne (optional)

Steps:

  • Place the ancho chili in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until chili is soft, about 10 minutes. Remove the chili from the liquid. When cool enough to handle, stem the chili, split it open and scrape out the seeds.
  • Meanwhile, place the squash in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and place the squash in a food processor. Add the chili and the cumin and process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Season with the salt and cayenne, if desired. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 69, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 17 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 301 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

STEAMED SQUASH PUREE



Steamed Squash Puree image

If you're craving something different this year, try a squash puree (from acorn, kabocha, or butternut). It typically doesn't come in a can, but it's sure worth the effort. Image, from top down: Acorn -- Delicately sweet and mild. Butternut -- Silky and nutty. Kabocha -- Dense and earthy.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Time 1h

Yield Makes about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 1

2 pounds squash: 1 or 2 acorn, cut into 2-inch wedges; 1 or 2 medium butternut, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes; or 1/2 kabocha, cut into 2-inch wedges and seeded

Steps:

  • Bring 2 inches water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket (or colander). Add squash. Cover and steam until soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely. If using acorn or kabocha, scoop out flesh and discard skins.
  • Puree steamed squash in a food processor until smooth. (If using kabocha, add 1/4 cup water before processing, then adjust until consistency is smooth.) Use immediately, or store in refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month; thaw in refrigerator before using.

MAPLE AND SOY BLACK COD WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH PURéE RECIPE - (4/5)



Maple and Soy Black Cod with Butternut Squash Purée Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by raffterman

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 (4 to 5 ounce) pieces black cod, skin on
1/3 cup maple syrup, 75 ml
1/3 cup soy sauce, 75 ml
1 cinnamon stick
1 clove
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons butter
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE
1 butternut squash, halved, seeds removed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 orange, zested
1/2 pound melted butter, 2 sticks
1/2 cup water, possibly more
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place maple syrup, soy sauce, cinnamon stick, and clove into a pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Put the fish in a plastic bag. Pour cooled marinade over fish to cover and gently massage it into the fish. Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours, up to overnight. Preheat the oven to 375 ° F/190 °C Clean the butternut squash. Combine cinnamon, salt and brown sugar in a bowl and sprinkle over top of the inside of the squash. Place the squash halves face down on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cook in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove the squash and allow to cool. Remove cod from marinade and pat with paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season the fish with salt. Add oil and butter to an oven proof fry pan. Once hot place the fish in skin side up. Cook for 2-4 minutes until you develop a crust on the fish. Remove the fish from the pan temporarily. Drain pan of butter and oil, and place the fish back into the pan, skin side down this time. Place in fish into the oven for approximately 10 min. Allow squash to cool until you can remove the skin comfortably with your fingers. Scoop the flesh into a blender. Add maple syrup and orange zest. Pour in melted butter and blend. Add water as needed to achieve silky consistency. Season to taste. Remove the fish from the oven. It should be firm, but soft and breaking apart slightly. Peel skin off cooked cod and plate on top of butternut squash purée.

WINTER SQUASH PUREE WITH TAHINI



Winter Squash Puree With Tahini image

This popular appetizer from the Middle East is a sort of sweet-tasting hummus, in which winter squash substitutes for chickpeas. This recipe is an adaptation of one by the cookbook author Clifford A. Wright.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     side dish

Time 1h

Yield About 3 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/2 pounds winter squash, like butternut
1/3 cup sesame tahini, stirred if the oil has separated out
2 large garlic cloves, halved, with green shoots removed
Salt to taste
2 to 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
extra virgin olive oil for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with foil and brush lightly with olive oil. If using butternut squash, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy membranes, and lay cut-side down on the foil-covered baking sheet. If using a thick slice of squash, scrape off any membranes. Bake 45 minutes to one hour, or until very soft. A knife should cut through it without resistance, and the skin should be wrinkled. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then peel and transfer to a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the tahini, and puree until smooth and creamy.
  • Combine the garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a mortar and pestle, and mash to a paste. Add to the food processor along with the lemon juice and cumin, and blend together. Add salt to taste.
  • Mound the puree in a wide bowl or on a plate. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Serve with warm pita bread.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 169, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 491 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

MAPLE SQUASH PURéE



Maple Squash Purée image

Categories     Side     Steam     Thanksgiving     Squash     Maple Syrup     Gourmet     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 to 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Steps:

  • In a steamer set over boiling water steam the squash, covered, for 15 minutes, or until it is very tender. Reserve the steaming liquid and in a food processor purée the squash with the butter, the maple syrup, and enough of the reserved steaming liquid to reach the desired consistency. Season the squash purée with salt and pepper. The squash purée may be made 3 days in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated, adding additional water as needed.

Tips:

  • Choose the right squash: For a smooth and flavorful puree, choose a variety of squash that is ripe and has a deep, rich color. Some good options include butternut squash, acorn squash, kabocha squash, and pumpkin.
  • Roast the squash: Roasting the squash before pureeing it helps to caramelize the natural sugars and bring out its flavor. To roast the squash, simply cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • Puree the squash: Once the squash is roasted, let it cool slightly, then scoop the flesh out of the skin. Transfer the flesh to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. You can add a little bit of water or milk to help the puree reach the desired consistency.
  • Season the puree to taste: Once the puree is smooth, season it to taste with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. For a sweeter puree, you can add a little bit of maple syrup or honey. For a savory puree, you can add a little bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder.
  • Use the puree in a variety of dishes: Squash puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to soups, stews, and casseroles. It can be used as a filling for pies and ravioli. It can even be used as a spread for sandwiches and crackers.

Conclusion:

Squash puree is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is also a low-calorie food that is easy to digest. Whether you are looking for a healthy and flavorful addition to your next meal or a creative way to use up leftover squash, squash puree is a great option.

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