It was a good year for squash. The harvest was big. With such an abundance you need to get creative in your cooking. You can roast them or mash them or make soup, but what else can you do with this squash? We'll find out today.
Butternut squash helps you:
regulate blood pressure
maintain good digestion
improve bone density
boost your immune system
lower cholesterol
keep your eyes healthy
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/butternut-squash.html
Let's see what we can do with this versatile squash.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PORRIDGE
Let's start with breakfast. Squash for breakfast? Why not? This work well on cold mornings.
1 butternut squash, halved and seeded
water as needed
1/4 cup coconut milk, to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (you could add a little nutmeg too)
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Place butternut squash halves, cut-side up, in a baking dish; fill dish with 1/4 inch of water.
Bake in the preheated oven until softened, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool squash.
Scoop squash flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Stir coconut milk and cinnamon into squash; top with walnuts.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/236026/butternut-squash-paleo-porridge/
BACON BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUICHE
Now let's get fancy. This beautiful dish would be good for any meal.
8 slice Nitrate Free, Uncured, cooked bacon
1 small butternut squash
2 cups spinach
6 eggs
1/2 cup canned whole fat coconut milk
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. coconut oil, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare a pie dish or tart pan by coating with melted coconut oil.
Chop up half the cooked bacon and cut the other four strips in half.
Peel and de-seed butternut squash then thinly slice into 1/4 inch disks.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk and seasonings.
Line the bottom of the prepared dish with one layer of butternut squash.
Sprinkle chopped bacon over the top.
Layer the spinach over the butternut squash and bacon
Place another layer of butternut squash over the spinach followed by the remaining slices of bacon.
Pour egg mixture over the top evenly.
Bake for 35-40.
http://myhealthyhappyhome.com/2014/01/18/bacon-butternut-squash-quiche-whole30-meal-planning/
BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA
Now we are getting crazy! Butternut squash has a nice, creamy texture which makes a nice sauce. You'll love this new take on lasagna.
1 cups diced onion
3 cups chopped kale
1lb mild pork sausage
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
Salt/pepper to taste
Crepes
6 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
3 tablespoons coconut flour, sifted
2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Coconut oil or butter for pan
(yields 10 crepes)
Whisk the crepe ingredients together in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes while the pan heats so the coconut flour can absorb the liquid, then whisk again.
Heat a crepe pan or skillet with enameled surface over medium-high heat.
Melt a small amount of oil or butter in the pan, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
Pour ¼ cup of the batter into the hot pan, turning the pan in a circular motion with one hand so to spread the batter thinly around the pan. Alternatively, use a spatula to quickly spread the batter. Fill any open spots with a drop of batter to make sure the pan is fully covered.
Cook for 1 minute until the edges start to lift. Gently work a spatula under the crepe and flip it over. Cook on the second side for 15 seconds and turn out on a plate.
Continue with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes on a plate as you work. Add a little more oil to the pan every 3-4 crepes or if they begin to start sticking
Butternut squash sauce
5-6 lb butternut squash
1 cup canned lite coconut milk
1 Tbls garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 Tbls fresh basil, chopped
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
Preheat the oven to 450.
Place the squash on a baking sheet and roast approximately 35-45 minutes or until squash has softened.
Peel and seed the squash and cut into large chunks.
Place the squash in a food processor or blender and mix with the rest of the sauce ingredients.
While the squash is baking heat a pan with olive oil and sauté onions until translucent.
Add the sausage and chop it in to fine pieces while cooking.
Throw in the kale and the seasonings and lit simmer until all ingredients are cooked. Approximately five minutes.
http://jessiskitchen.com/2014/03/03/creamy-butternut-squash-lasagna-paleo/
https://againstallgrain.com/2013/01/26/crepes-grainfree-paleo/
BUTTERNUT SQUASH & APPLE HASH
Hash possibilities are endless. With the addition of apples, this dish will surprise you.
1 Tbsp. coconut oil, divided
1 medium onion, diced
1 small butternut squash (1 ½ lbs.), peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice (about 3 cups)
1 medium apple, cored and diced
12 ounces ground turkey or chicken
½ tsp. dried sage
¼ tsp. dried thyme
¼ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. sea salt
Pinch of nutmeg and/or red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cups kale, chard or spinach, washed and torn
Combine ground turkey, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt and nutmeg or red pepper flakes (if using) in small bowl. Stir with large spoon or use your hands to combine. Set aside.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tsp. coconut oil and heat just until oil starts to shimmer. Add onion and butternut squash. Saute for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 3 Tbsp. water and diced apple. Cook an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Move vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Add 1 tsp. coconut oil and turkey mixture. Allow turkey to cook a few minutes before breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Continue to cook 5-6 minutes or until turkey is cooked through and no longer pink. Stir to combine vegetables and sausage.
Place kale/chard/spinach on top of hash and cover with a lid. Allow greens to wilt, about 1-2 minutes. Stir, season with additional salt and pepper and serve.
https://therealfoodrds.com/butternut-squash-and-apple-hash-with-sausage/
"CHEESY" CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Try this when you need a quick dinner idea.
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (approximately, you can use more)
1⅓ cups cooked and mashed butternut squash
¼ cup coconut cream (the thick stuff from the top of a can of coconut milk. Don't shake the can) OR substitute yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup ghee or butter or coconut oil (coconut oil will impart a stronger coconut taste)
1 cup thawed green peas
1 tsp. Herbamare seasoning salt
1 - 2 Tbs. raw apple cider vinegar (Bragg's)
Optional: ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut for the topping
Put everything in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the peas are warmed through and everything is melty and creamy. Top with toasted coconut, if desired.
If you want, toast the coconut in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until golden and toasty which will take just a few minutes
https://empoweredsustenance.com/cheesy-chicken-casserole/
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PIZZA CRUST
If you've had a cauliflower crust pizza, you'll be familiar with this dish. Use your favorite toppings and you'll never miss a flour-based crust.
