The combination of walnuts, thyme, ginger, vanilla, and squash may seem weird, but oddly it works. You can either boil the cubed butternut squash with some bay leaves, or roast them until you get a little browning – in which case omit the bay leaves. Roasting will caramelize the squash a bit, giving a little more flavor, and the squash cubes will hold their shape better. Boiling the squash will yield softer squash and a little flavor from the bay leaves.
How to Buy and Store Butternut Squash
One of the things I love about winter squash is that you can buy one and then take your time to figure out what to do with it. They last for months as long as you keep them cool and dry. When buying squash, look for ones that are free of blemishes or deep nicks since these will store for longer without developing rot. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to cook with them. (But don’t forget about them! Even hard winter squashes will eventually start to go soft and moldy.) Keep your eye out for good deals on winter squashes toward the end of the season at your farmer’s market. Sometimes you can really score with a giant bag of discount squash that will last you through the winter.
How to Peel and Cut a Butternut Squash
Cutting up a butternut squash can definitely be intimidating. The most important thing to do is make sure your cutting board is stable. If it’s prone to slipping on your countertop, put a damp paper towel or dishcloth underneath to keep it steady. Use a vegetable peeler to peel off the tough outer skin. If you have a microwave, you can put the whole squash in the microwave for 30 seconds before peeling. That will soften the peel just enough to make it easier to peel. Then use a sharp chef’s knife to cut it into pieces. Don’t try to make do with a dull knife or a tiny paring knife – you’ll be more likely to injure yourself. Ready to slice? Follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll be just fine: How to Peel and Cut a Butternut Squash. (With a video, as well!)
More Butternut Squash Recipes
Butternut Squash Lasagna Butternut Squash & Apple Soup Harvest Salad with Miso-Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Butternut Squash Risotto Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Sauté
You can either boil or roast the squash, directions are given for both methods. Recipe can be easily doubled. If boiling: Put 4 cups of water into a medium-sized pot and add the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer. Add the squash to the pot. Boil, covered for 10 minutes. Drain. If you want this to be a bit more luxurious, mix in another tablespoon of butter or two before serving.
