Buttery Mashed Roasted Butternut Squash For Two

Now that it is fall and our garden butternut squash are mature, we have started harvesting them and making mashed butternut squash to go with our dinner. We make a couple of simple variations on the recipe depending on our mood.

Here’s a simple recipe for buttery mashed roasted butternut squash for two:

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 or 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Savory Variation

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish

Sweet Variation

• 2 or 3 tablespoons of orange juice
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Optional: sweeten to taste with sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, or Stevia

Preparation Directions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the butternut squash: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and fibrous pulp. You can save the seeds for roasting separately if you like. Place the squash halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Roast the butternut squash: Brush the cut sides with a bit of melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash in the oven and roast for about 40-45 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Scoop out the flesh: Once the squash is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. Then, using a spoon, carefully scoop out the roasted flesh from the skin and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
5. Mash the squash: Add the remaining butter and savory or sweet ingredients to the roasted butternut squash in the mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the squash until it’s smooth and creamy. You can adjust to taste.
6. Serve: Transfer the buttery mashed butternut squash to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor and presentation if desired.
7. Enjoy: Serve your buttery mashed roasted butternut squash alongside your favorite main course as a side dish. It’s a delicious and comforting addition to any meal.

This recipe is easy to customize to your taste. You can also experiment with adding a touch of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.