Five Ways with the Humble Squash

Ah, the humble butternut squash! It’s often overlooked at this time of year, when we all desperately stockpile pumpkins like they’re…er…going out of season.

But the squash – sometimes known in Australia and New Zealand as butternut pumpkin – is a winter squash which grows on a vine.

With a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of a pumpkin, it might be easier to come by during October when the pumpkin is selling like the proverbial hotcake. That’s why we think you should include it in your dinner plans. Go on, show the squash some love.

Here are some ideas for that butternut squash haul…

Thai Squash and Pineapple Curry

A vegetarian favourite, this curry is bursting with flavour – and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring onion, Thai red curry paste, coconut milk and more, this butternut squash mid-week or weekend meal will take your tea-time plans up a notch. Trust us.

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Cider Cream Sauce

Yum! This one sounds like a real winner, doesn’t it? It’s also vegetarian-friendly and features a veggie stuffing and a side of crunchy kale. Health fanatics will love all the goodness this meal offers, and this main dish becomes a real centrepiece when carved into slices at the table. Give it a try – the recipe is over here.

Butternut Squash Spaghetti with Sausage and Sage

Here’s one for the meat eaters amongst you – and this one certainly packs a punch in terms of flavour. It’s also deliciously comforting, making it ideal for this kind of year when we’re all craving a bit of pasta. Containing half a medium butternut squash, sweet Italian sausage, dry white wine and kale, this meal can be prepared in just 15 minutes and cooks in 30.

Bacon, Gruyere, and Butternut Squash Frittata

The Delish site has the recipe for this frittata, which can be eaten hot just after it’s been cooked, or served cold with a side salad the following day – it’s up to you. It makes enough for four people and takes just 20 minutes to make, 35 minutes to cook – and even less to wolf it down. Delicious!

Spelt and Butternut Squash Cake

Yes, you read that right – butternut squash in a cake! Deliciously moist, especially when topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this recipe from Camilla Hawkins can be whipped up in 45 minutes.

Camilla says: “ I often make butternut squash soup and don’t like to tamper with the quantity of ingredients in it, so I found myself with a hunk of spare butternut the other day and my husband suggested I made a cake with it. I had actually been toying with this idea myself (he won’t believe me) as these beauties are so very sweet and perfectly suited to cake making.”

Will you be trying any of these butternut squash recipes? Or perhaps you have some ideas of your own? Go on, fire up that oven and cook up a storm.

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Until next time…