Butternut squash can make a great addition to many dishes from risottos to curries. Similar to the pumpkin, it has a sweet and nutty taste and it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.   Below are 4 of the main ways to cook butternut squash. 

Boil them

An easy way to cook butternut squash is simply to boil it. Peel the squash and cut it into cubes. Then throw the cubes into a pan of water. Bring the water to a boil and then bring it down to a hard simmer for about 7 to 10 minutes and the squash should be nice and tender.

Butternut squash can taste great boiled in a winter vegetable broth with cauliflower, onion, carrot, celery and garlic. You can also puree it in a blender and boil it with onion, some garlic and a touch of rosemary and sage for a smooth soup. Alternatively, you can serve boiled squash on its own as a side to other dishes (you can add some seasoning or serve with other vegetables to add more taste).

Steam them

You can also cut butternut squash into cubes and steam it on the stove. Steaming typically helps to retain more nutrients than boiling, although it depends on how long you cook it for. Steaming butternut squash for 7 minutes will usually help it maintain its crunch, nutrients and taste, however some people may want to steam it for longer for a softer texture. 

Butternut squash can be steamed with other mixed vegetables and seasoned with butter, salt and pepper for a tasty side dish. You can even puree butternut squash after steaming it to create a tasty mash-like consistency - a great side for when you want to create a more fancy meal. 

Roast them

Another way to prepare squashes is to roast them in the oven. As with other preparation methods, peel and cut the squash into cubes. Then drizzle with oil and season them before baking them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until brown. You can check out this recipe for how to make baked butternut squash. Feel free to melt some butter onto the squash after. 

You can roast butternut squash with other mixed vegetables such as carrots, onions, zucchini and broccoli for a tasty side dish to some roast meat. You can also add some mushrooms and rice and turn it into a tasty vegan risotto. Roast vegetables are a great hearty food for the fall and winter, but can also be thrown into summer dishes like salads.

Pan fry them

It’s also possible to pan sear butternut squash for a more full-bodied and savory flavor. Just check out this recipe here. As with other butternut squash recipes, start by peeling them and cutting them into cubes. Then season them with some salt, pepper and vinegar. 

Pan seared squash can go well with roast meat dishes as a side. You can also serve with other vegetables and drizzle some cheese and olive oil over the top for a tasty Mediterranean-flavored vegetable dish.