Butternut squash is a great fall vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, it is important to peel it before cooking it so that you don’t lose too much of the flesh.
When peeling a butternut squash, it’s important to use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting surface. A dull knife can slip and cause an injury.
Use a Paring Knife
A butternut squash is a delicious winter vegetable with a rich orange flesh that’s sweet and nutty. You can serve it alone or use it to make curries and soups.
When you’re ready to peel your butternut squash, start by choosing a sturdy knife with a sharp edge. It should be large enough to fit the squash, but not so big that it can’t handle it. A heavy cutting board will also help stabilize the squash as you cut and peel it.
To make sure your knife is sharp, test it out on soft fruits and vegetables before you start using it to peel a butternut squash. If your knife is too dull, it will be harder to cut the butternut squash and you may end up with a scalded hand.
You can also microwave your butternut squash for a few minutes before you begin chopping it. This will help soften the skin and make it easier to cut.
Once you’ve peeled the squash, you can cut it into slices and cubes as you please. Small slices are ideal for roasting, while large chunks are perfect for a variety of dishes.
The next step is to remove the seeds from the butternut squash. The seeds can be roasted like pumpkin seeds or discarded. You can also remove them by simply slicing the squash in half lengthwise and then using a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the seed cavity.
After removing the seeds, you’ll want to cut the squash in half where the small, cylinder-shaped and round, bulb-shaped parts meet. Then, hold the squash with your non-dominant hand and use a sharp knife to peel away the thick skin.
Use a Vegetable Peeler
If you’re new to the kitchen, learning how to peel a butternut squash can seem daunting, but with a little practice, you can make this winter vegetable a staple in your family’s diet. It’s a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and is also a delicious side dish or ingredient in many recipes.
To begin, select a sturdy, sharp knife or vegetable peeler. A dull knife or peeler will make the process of peeling a butternut squash more difficult, and may even result in an injury.
Wash the butternut squash before you peel it, to make sure that there are no traces of dirt or other contaminants. If you don’t want your hands to feel filmy afterwards, wear gloves or use a kitchen towel.
Using your vegetable peeler, start by removing the skin on the bulb of the squash. This is the part that contains seeds.
The skin of the squash is thick, so it may take a few passes to remove it completely. Keep peeling until you have reached bright-orange flesh.
Once the skin is off, cut the squash in half and remove the neck. This can be done in a variety of ways, including using a chef’s knife or paring knife (Pics 4 & 5).
Place the squash cut sides down on the cutting board for stability. Working section at a time, cut the squash into 1/2 inch slices.
Continue slicing the butternut squash into thinner slices, then make crosswise cuts to create cubes. This is a versatile way to prepare the vegetable, and can be used in soups, salads, and purees.
A 1 1/2 pound butternut squash will yield approximately 5-6 cups of 1/2-inch cubed squash.
Once you’ve sliced, halved, or cubed the butternut squash, it is ready to roast. You can roast the butternut squash in an oven, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker.
Use a Fork
Butternut squash is a winter vegetable that’s great for soup, stews, and roasting. It’s also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
When cutting a butternut squash, you should always use the proper tools. This includes a non-slip surface like a cutting board, a sharp chef’s knife, a peeler, and a large spoon for scooping out the seeds.
A vegetable peeler is a handy tool for getting into crevices and ridges that your fingers aren’t as strong to handle. You can purchase a good vegetable peeler, like this one from Victorinox, at your local grocery store.
However, it can be more difficult to cut through a squash’s tough skin with a regular peeler. That’s why it’s often recommended to first microwave it, which will soften its flesh enough to make it easier to peel.
Alternatively, you can place the whole squash in the microwave and cook it for 10-12 minutes (or more, depending on your microwave’s power). Once cooked, give the squash a few taps with a spoon to check it’s tender.
Once the squash is cooked, it’s ready to use in your favorite recipes! You can mash or cube it, and add it to soups, stews, and chili. You can also roast it with the skin on, which will give it a delicious roasted flavor.
You can also use the mashed or pureed flesh in many different dishes, including rolls, sweet bread, cakes, muffins, and pies. It also works well as an egg replacer for baked goods.
Microwave
Butternut squash is a versatile winter vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is a great addition to soups, side dishes and desserts. It is also a good source of fiber and protein. However, its hard skin can be difficult to peel.
Cooking in the microwave can soften the skin and make it easier to peel. It also speeds up the cooking time, so you can prepare your butternut squash more quickly.
To cook a butternut squash, place it on a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 5 minutes. This will soften the skin and make it easier to cut into cubes.
After the squash has been microwaved, remove it from the microwave and allow it to cool completely. Then, slice the squash in half and remove the seeds. You can serve the flesh mashed or enjoy each cube as a single serving with some salt and pepper.
Alternatively, you can bake the squash in the oven. It will take about 25 minutes to cook, so be sure to rotate the halves halfway through.
To peel a butternut squash, use a paring knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. This can be done quickly and easily, but you may need to hold the squash upright to get a good grip on the peeler. If you are using a vegetable peeler, be careful to hold the squash at an angle to avoid slicing the skin off in one go.
Before removing the skin, be sure to inspect the squash to ensure it is properly ripened. It should be dark beige or tan and have no blemishes or soft spots. It should also have a tight stem that is still attached to it.
You can store the cut squash in a container with a lid or a plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will last several months in a cool, dry place, like the refrigerator or a pantry.
You can also try roasting the seeds, which are a delicious savory snack when seasoned with salt and olive oil. They are similar to roasted pumpkin seeds and make an excellent side dish for meals or snack.