Mashed Butternut Squash
Beloved cookbook author and Food Network television host Ina Garten describes the genesis of this easy autumn side dish this way: “It’s always exciting when a recipe evolves to the next level. One day I was making roasted butternut squash from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and decided to try it as a puree—and it’s even better! Serve this with a salty roasted vegetable like Brussels sprouts so you have contrasting flavors, colors and textures.”
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash (4 to 5 lb./2 to 2.5 kg total)
- 6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) (3 oz./90 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (2 oz./60 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) half-and-half
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut off and discard the ends of the butternut squash. Peel the squash, cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into 3/4-inch (2-cm) cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Toss all the ingredients together and spread in a single layer. Roast for 40 minutes, or until the squash is very tender. While roasting, turn the squash once with a spatula to be sure it cooks evenly. Don’t let it brown.
In two batches, transfer the squash, the pan liquids and the half-and-half to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse until the squash is coarsely pureed. It should have the consistency of mashed potatoes. To keep hot, place the puree in a bowl sitting over a pot of simmering water and stir. Season to taste and serve hot. Serves 6.
NOTE: This can be made a few days in advance. Reheat it, covered, in the microwave or in a bowl over a pot of simmering water.
If the squash is too thick, thin it with milk, orange juice or water.
Reprinted from Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family. Copyright © 2002 by Ina Garten. Photographs copyright © 2002 Maura McEvoy. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.