F.N. Sharp Veggie Prep Guide & Recipe Ideas: How to Pick, Peel, Cut, Cook & Store Butternut Squash
F.N. Sharp Veggie Prep Guide & Recipe Ideas: How to Pick, Peel, Cut, Cook & Store Butternut Squash
Wondering what to do with that butternut squash, from how to pick and store it to how to cut and cook it? Well, get ready because you’re about to serve you up some butternut squash-prepping tips and tricks!
The F.N. Sharp Guide to Choosing, Cutting and Storing Butternut Squash – Plus X Delicious Recipes to Try!
Before we get into all of our butternut squash-cutting tips and practice recipe, let’s go over some FAQs:
What is Butternut Squash?
So, you've heard of pumpkins, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and delicata squash, but what's the deal with butternut squash? Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? Is it some kind of magical hybrid? Let’s break it down…
Butternut squash is a winter squash, just like its buddies acorn, spaghetti, and delicata squash. It's like the cool kid of the squash family, with pear-shaped body, a tan exterior, and a bright orange interior that screams, "I'm here to bring some sunshine to your plate!"
Winter squashes, including butternut squash, are harvested in the fall and have a tough skin that allows them to be stored for long periods of time (kind of like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter). They're packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a super healthy addition to your diet.
Butternut squash is a favorite in the kitchen because of its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture. It's perfect for roasting, pureeing into soups, or even turning into a delicious pasta sauce. It's like the chameleon of the vegetable world - it can adapt to any dish and make it 10 times better.
Is it a Fruit or a Vegetable?
Butternut squash is technically a fruit, but it's commonly referred to as a vegetable due to its savory flavor profile. It's like the undercover agent of the produce world!
What Does it Look Like?
Picture this: a long, bell-shaped vegetable (ahem, fruit) with a pale yellow skin and a bulbous end. It's like the quirky cousin of the pumpkin family, with a smooth texture and a vibrant orange flesh inside.
How Does it Taste?
Now, the million-dollar question: what does butternut squash taste like? Well, imagine a sweet potato and a pumpkin had a baby. That's the flavor profile of butternut squash - slightly sweet, nutty, and oh-so-delicious.
When is it in Season?
Like the rest of its winter squash family, butternut squash is in season from early fall through winter, making it the perfect addition to your cozy, comfort food lineup.
Why Should I Eat it?
Not only is butternut squash delicious, it's also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It's like a superhero in vegetable form, fighting off free radicals and boosting your immune system. Plus, it's low in calories, so you can indulge guilt-free!
How to Pick and Choose Butternut Squash
Wondering what to look for when picking out that butternut squash? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
When it comes to butternut squash, size does matter, but not in the way you might think. Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size. A heavy squash indicates that it is nice and ripe, perfect for cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
The skin should also be firm and free of blemishes or soft spots. Think of it like picking out the perfect avocado – you want it to be just right. Smooth, unblemished skin is a good indicator that the squash is fresh and ready to be transformed into a delicious dish. And, while thumping a watermelon might help you pick a ripe one, the same can't be said for butternut squash. Give the squash a gentle press with your thumb, instead. If it gives slightly under pressure, it's good to go. If it feels rock hard, it may need some time to ripen further.
You’ll also want to check the stem to see if it's intact. A butternut squash with the stem still attached is more likely to be fresh. Plus, it adds a rustic charm to your kitchen counter while waiting to be cooked up.
One final tip – Trust your instincts! If a particular butternut squash is calling out to you, go for it. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don't be afraid to pick a squash that speaks to you (figuratively, of course).
How to Store Butternut Squash
Now on to storing that butternut squash – for whole, uncut squash, you’ll want to find a cool, dry place to store it. Think of it like finding a cozy spot for your squash to chill and relax. A pantry or a cupboard works great for this. Just make sure it's not too hot or humid, or your squash might start to sweat (nobody likes a sweaty squash).
Now, let's say you've already chopped up your butternut squash into cute little cubes or slices. You can't just leave them out in the open, exposed to the elements! Pop those pieces into an airtight container or a resealable bag. Treat them like precious gems that need protection. Store them in the fridge and use within a few days for optimal freshness.
But what if you have more butternut squash than you can handle? Don't worry, you can freeze it for later! Cut the squash into your desired shapes, blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once they're cool, pat them dry and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with a date so you don't forget when you froze them. These frozen squash pieces will last for several months, giving you butternut goodness whenever you need it!
How to Cook With Butternut Squash
Wondering what to do with that butternut squash? There are plenty of ways to enjoy this winter veggie – here are just a few:
Roast it to Perfection
Oven-roasting is one of the best ways to enjoy butternut squash as a side dish or even the star of a plate. Simply chop it up into cubes, toss it with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon (trust us on this one), then roast it in the oven until it's caramelized and delicious. It's like candy, but healthier (sort of).
Soup it Up
Feeling a bit chilly? Whip up a creamy butternut squash soup. Just blend roasted squash with some broth, a splash of cream, and your favorite seasonings (or try marrying it with some sugar pumpkin, like this pumpkin squash soup recipe). It's like a warm hug in a bowl. Add some crispy bacon on top for an extra treat!
Stuff it Like a Pro
Get fancy and stuff that squash! Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill it with a mixture of quinoa, veggies, and cheese. Bake until the squash is tender and the filling is bubbly. Voilà, a gourmet meal that's photo-worthy!
Make it a Pasta Star
Who doesn't love pasta? Cook up some noodles and toss them with a creamy butternut squash sauce. Add some sage, Parmesan cheese, and maybe a sprinkle of nutmeg for a dish full of comforting flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!
Sweeten the Deal
Butternut squash in a dessert? Absolutely! Bake it into a pie, blend it into a smoothie, or even make butternut squash ice cream (yes, it's a thing). The natural sweetness of the squash adds a unique flavor to your favorite treats. It's like a secret ingredient that makes everything better!
What’s the Best Knife for Cutting Butternut Squash?
When it comes to cutting up that butternut squash, you’ll definitely want a sharp, heavy knife on hand, like the western-style chef’s knife pictured here. Its long blade and hefty heal make it ideal for cutting through that dense winter squash. Check out our F.N. Sharp guide for more on the different parts of a knife and how to use them, along with our guide on how to properly hold a kitchen knife.
Butternut squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups to salads to side dishes. However, cutting into a tough butternut squash can be intimidating for some home cooks. Fear not! With the right techniques, you can easily tackle this autumn favorite like a pro. Just grab that sharp chef’s knife and follow along with the video above or the instructions below.
Cut & Roast in Halves
When simplicity is key, roasting butternut squash halves is the way to go. Start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven until tender. Once cooked, you can scoop out the flesh and use it in various recipes, like creamy soups or mashed butternut squash.
Peel & Cube
For recipes that call for peeled and cubed butternut squash, you can either start peeling the squash whole with a paring knife or vegetable peeler, or you can cut it in half (width-wise), set the halves cut-side down on your cutting board (preferably a wooden one like this, and here’s why it’s the better choice), then peel from there, as shown in the video above.
Once peeled, carefully slice the squash in half, lengthwise. Next, scoop out the seeds and pulp from the cavity using a spoon. Then, lay each half flat on the cutting board and slice into half-inch thick planks. Finally, cut the planks into cubes of your desired size. Voilà! You're ready to roast, sauté, or add to a stew.
Cut Into Chunky Chunks
For hearty dishes like stews or casseroles, cutting butternut squash into large chunks is the way to go. Peel the squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into chunks roughly the size of your thumb. These chunks will hold their shape well during cooking, adding a satisfying bite to your dishes.
Spiralize for Fun
Looking to add a twist to your butternut squash dishes? Try spiralizing! Cut off the bulbous end of the squash and peel the neck. Secure the neck in your spiralizer and crank away to create beautiful butternut squash noodles. These noodles are perfect for a healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta or a colorful addition to salads.
So, there you have it! With these different cutting techniques, you can confidently tackle any butternut squash recipe that comes your way. Get creative in the kitchen and let the butternut squash shine in all its delicious glory!
Practice Your Knife Skills With This Pumpkin Squash Soup
Now that you know how to cut and prepare butternut squash, let’s turn it into a delicious soup! This recipe combines cubed butternut squash and sugar pumpkin, chopped yellow onion, crumbled bacon, chopped pistachios, sour cream, yogurt, pepitas and spices for a bowl full of creamy, comforting butternut squash pumpkin soup!
The knife arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Not only is the knife well balance and very sharp, it is also beautiful. I'll be getting all my knives at F.N. Sharp in the future!
