Whip up a bowl of comfort with our Roasted Butternut Squash Mash – an easy fall vegan recipe that's as cozy as your favorite sweater! Creamy, dreamy, and packed with autumn vibes. Your taste buds will thank you! 🍁
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What Does Butternut Squash Taste Like?
Butternut squash has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. Its taste is often described as a combination of pumpkin and sweet potato, with a hint of earthiness. When cooked, the flesh becomes tender and creamy, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. Its natural sweetness makes it a popular choice for soups, casseroles, roasted dishes, and even desserts.
Butternut squash is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meal. This Vegan Butternut Squash Mash recipe offers a delightful and wholesome option for those seeking plant-based, fall-inspired dishes. So, let's dive in straight to the recipe.
Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: Choose a medium-sized and consistent beige or tan color squash for this recipe.
- Oil: Any plant-based oil or vegan butter will do the task. Make sure you are using oil with no aftertaste or smell. I prefer canola oil or olive oil.
- Seasoning: Season the mashed butternut squash with salt and pepper. You can also add optional seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar for extra flavor. I prefer to add salt and cinnamon before roasting and pepper after roasting as it can burn during roasting.
- Garlic: Roast the garlic cloves with squash. Alternatively, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste.
- Vegan Butter or Margarine: for an extra creamy texture.
How to Make Mashed Butternut Squash?
To make the perfect butternut squash mash start with
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the butternut squash, then carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and strings from the center using a spoon.
- Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Seasoning and Roasting
- Brush a bit of olive oil over the cut surfaces and season with salt and cinnamon powder if desired.
- Place garlic cloves inside the butternut squash hole.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
Scooping and Mashing the Flesh
- Once the butternut squash is roasted and cooled slightly, use a spoon to scoop out the soft flesh from the skin. Discard the skin.
- Place the roasted butternut squash flesh and roasted garlic cloves in a mixing bowl.
- Use a potato masher, fork, or hand mixer to mash the squash until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a hand blender or food processor.
Final Touchups
- Add the melted vegan butter or margarine to the mashed butternut squash while it's still warm.
- Season the mashed butternut squash with some more salt and pepper to taste. You can also add optional seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar for extra flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
- Mix everything together until well combined and the margarine and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the mashed squash.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the Vegan Butternut Squash Mash to a serving dish.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course or enjoy it as a comforting standalone dish.
Remember, you can customize this recipe to your taste preferences by adjusting the seasonings and creaminess level. Enjoy your delicious homemade mashed butternut squash!
Storage and Reheating
Storage: To store mashed butternut squash, let it cool and then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for 3 to 4 months.
Reheat: To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frozen Mash: For frozen mash, thaw in the fridge before reheating using the same methods. Remember that reheated mashed butternut squash might have a slightly different texture but should still be flavorful and satisfying.
You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.What to Serve with Mash
Vegan Butternut Squash Mash pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:
Remember, the versatility of Vegan Butternut Squash Mash allows you to get creative with your pairings. Whether you're looking for a protein-rich meal, a light salad, or a comforting side, this dish complements a wide range of options.
Roasted squash mash is not runny at all but still, you can thicken it by cooking on the stovetop to evaporate excess moisture.
Butternut squash is filling due to its combination of dietary fiber and water content. The fiber in squash takes longer to digest, which helps create a sense of fullness and satisfaction.
Flavors that go well with butternut squash include sage, thyme, nutmeg, cinnamon, garlic, onions, and a touch of sweetness like maple syrup or brown sugar.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Mash
Ingredients
- 1 Medium size Butternut Squash
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Cinnamon Powder
- ¼ Cup Margarine
- ½ Tsp Crushed Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the butternut squash, then carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and strings from the center using a spoon. Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Brush a bit of olive oil over the cut surfaces and season with salt and cinnamon powder. Place cloves of garlic with the squash for roasting
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once the butternut squash is roasted and cooled slightly, use a spoon to scoop out the soft flesh from the skin. Discard the skin.
- Place the roasted butternut squash flesh and roasted garlic in a mixing bowl. Use a potato masher, fork, or hand mixer to mash the squash until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the melted vegan butter or margarine to the mashed butternut squash while it's still warm.
- Season the mashed butternut squash with some more salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined and the margarine and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the mashed squash.
- Transfer the Vegan Butternut Squash Mash to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course or enjoy it as a comforting standalone dish.
Video
Notes
- Roasting the butternut squash intensifies its flavor. Cut it into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Achieve creaminess by adding plant-based butter and non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk, to the mash. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Always taste your mash as you go. This allows you to adjust the seasoning, creaminess, and any additional flavors to suit your personal preference.
- If storing, ensure the mash is cooled completely before sealing in an airtight container to prevent condensation that could affect its texture.
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