Mashed Butternut Squash and Pears
Spoon up sensational sides with this creamy mashed butternut squash recipe - a delicious dish that’s guaranteed to steal the show!
Ingredients
Method
2) Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Peel the pears, cut in half and remove the core. Place the pears and squash, cut side up, on a foil-lined baking tray.
3) In a small saucepan, over low heat, melt the butter. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds off of each side with a paring knife; add the seeds to the butter and reserve the pod for another use.
4) Whisk the brown sugar and ginger into the melted butter and remove from the heat.
5) Brush the butter mixture onto the cut sides of the squash and pears. Season with salt and pepper. Set the remaining butter mixture aside and keep it warm.
6) Roast the squash and pears until soft, about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of the squash. The squash is cooked when a knife can be inserted easily into the flesh.
7) Scoop flesh out of the squash and discard the skin. Place the squash and pears in a large bowl and mash with a fork or a potato masher. Stir in the remaining melted butter mixture.
8) Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve warm.
Sweeten up your side game with this next-level mashed butternut squash recipe.
This vibrant and versatile puree butternut squash dish brings together sweet roasted squash and juicy pears, blended with golden butter, a hint of vanilla bean, the warmth of brown sugar and ginger, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
If you like your butternut squash mashed, it’s delicious all year round, but this recipe really comes into its own over the holidays. It’s a seasonal superstar, popular in America at Thanksgiving, and equally scrumptious at Easter and Christmas adding a sweet-savoury twist that perfectly complements roast pork, a glazed baked ham, or even Tom Kerridge’s perfect roast turkey.
If you want to make our mashed butternut squash recipe your own, try adding toasted pecans for a bit of crunch, swap the brown sugar for maple syrup, or fold in fresh sage for a hint of herby happiness.
Puree butternut squash is hard to beat, but if you’re looking for some more spectacular side dishes, how about roasted garlic mashed potatoes, an easy sheet pan ratatouille, or a soulful bowlful of Spanish baked butter beans. Delish!
