Easy Pureed Butternut Squash is a simple, naturally vegan side dish that works for any meal.
It’s not only terrific as a healthy side dish, it’s also great to use in cooking, baking, and soups.
It’s also a budget-friendly substitute for pureed pumpkin in traditional pumpkin pie recipes!
A little about butternut squash puree
Butternut squash is used in foods and baked goods, from everything from soup to cakes to pies.
And it makes a healthy side dish that you can have plain or seasoned to your taste.
Drain it well, and pureed butternut squash makes an excellent filling for pumpkin pie recipes.
In fact, it’s a terrific substitute for Dickenson pumpkins, which are used in Libby’s® canned pumpkin. Just drain the puree well (only slightly wet—to the same consistency as the canned pumpkin) and use a good pumpkin pie recipe.
And butternut squash has nutritional benefits!
What does it mean when recipes say “to taste” about an ingredient?
When recipes say “to taste,” it means that you can put in as little or as much as you like to your own taste. Some recipes have many ingredients that a cook can adjust to their own taste when cooking (not so much when baking, though).
The best way to calculate what your taste is with a recipe that you are not yet familiar with is to first taste the dish and then add the “to taste” ingredient GRADUALLY, a little at a time—a splash of this or a pinch of that—until the dish is just the way you like it.
Make sure to stir the ingredient after each time you add it so that the flavor will distribute evenly and become part of the dish. Then taste again. Repeat until you reach your personal preference.
Note: If you plan on using the recipe again, it is highly recommended to make a note of what and how much you added so that you can refer to it next time.
6 ideas for how to use butternut squash puree
Soups:
Blend roasted or pureed squash with vegetable broth.
Pasta Sauce:
Puree cooked squash with your favorite seasonings. You can also blend in other vegetables.
Healthy Breakfast Add-in:
Add butternut squash puree in with your oatmeal, pancake batter, or farina.
Baking Ingredient:
Drained well, butternut squash is the perfect substitute for canned pumpkin used in pumpkin pies, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin loaves.
Savory Casseroles:
Mix butternut squash puree in with vegetable casseroles.
Side dish:
Pureed and drained well, butternut squash puree makes a delicious and neutral side dish. Have it plain, with butter, or with seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze butternut squash puree?
Yes. First, let the puree cool completely. Then, you can store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Is butternut squash puree the same as canned pumpkin?
They are very similar in texture and flavor, especially in baking. Butternut squash is an excellent, budget-friendly, and natural substitute for canned pumpkin in pies, muffins, and breads. First, drain well.
How do I get the excess water out of the squash puree?
To achieve the same consistency as canned pumpkin, place the cooked, pureed squash into a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Let it drain for 15–30 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. Alternately, you can squeeze the puree in the cheesecloth to help it drain quicker. A plain handkerchief works well too.
Does this butternut squash puree contain dairy or gluten?
No, this is a 1-ingredient recipe that is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
What is the best way to season pureed squash?
For a savory side dish, season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like sage or rosemary. For a sweet version, stir in a little maple syrup, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Can I freeze pureed butternut squash?
Yes, you can freeze pureed butternut squash in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 6 months. For easier portioning, you can freeze the puree in ice cube trays first and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Easy Pureed Butternut Squash Recipe
Plain and pure, 1-ingredient butternut squash puree.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash, chopped into chunks
Instructions
- Place butternut squash chunks in a pot of water and boil until soft (approximately 20 - 30 minutes).
- Drain water and put in a blender and puree or place in a bowl and use an emersion blender.
- Drain more if necessary after pureeing.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 14Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g