Emilie Meyer
Butternut squash is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the easiest ways to cook butternut squash is by using a crock pot or slow cooker. This method is simple, requiring minimal preparation and no peeling or chopping beforehand. Cooking butternut squash in a crock pot can be a great option for those who want a hassle-free way to enjoy this delicious vegetable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low |
| Preparation | No need to peel, chop or seed before cooking |
| Texture | Tender, creamy, silky |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, cinnamon, olive oil, butter |
| Nutritional value | High in vitamins A and C, low in calories |
| Flexibility | Can be used in soups, salads, baked goods, breakfasts, etc. |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen |
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What You'll Learn
How to choose a good butternut squash
When choosing a good butternut squash, there are several things to consider. Firstly, look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of bruises, dents, or soft spots. A ripe butternut squash should have a uniform tan colour, devoid of any green streaks (indicating under-ripeness) or brown spots (signifying frost damage). The skin of the squash should be matte, not shiny or waxy, and the stem should be dark brown and intact. Additionally, the thickness of the shell matters; a good squash should have a hard exterior that cannot be easily pierced with a fingernail. When selecting between multiple options, opt for those with longer and broader necks compared to their rounded bottoms, as this part yields more solid meat.
While butternut squash is available pre-cut in stores, buying a whole squash allows you to choose one that best suits your preferences. The process of peeling and cutting a butternut squash can be challenging due to its large size, smooth skin, and peculiar shape. However, cooking the squash whole in a crock pot can significantly ease this process. By placing the whole squash in a crock pot for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, you can achieve perfectly cooked squash that is easy to cut, peel, and remove the seeds from.
If you prefer to peel and cut the squash before cooking, there are a few techniques to make the process easier. Firstly, ensure your workspace is clean and clutter-free to minimise the risk of slipping or cutting yourself. Secure the squash firmly on a cutting board by placing a damp paper towel or kitchen towel underneath it to prevent it from rolling. Use a sharp chef's knife or a heavy cleaver to cut the squash lengthwise, starting at the middle and working your way to the ends. Once cut, scoop out the seeds with a spoon and proceed to slice or cube the flesh as desired.
Alternatively, you can roast the squash cubes in the oven for a more flavourful outcome. To do this, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl, ensuring an even coating. Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Remove the sheet from the oven, use a metal spatula to flip the cubes, and then return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden. The roasted squash cubes can be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes.
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How to prepare the crock pot
Preparing a crock pot for cooking butternut squash is a simple process. First, select a good butternut squash. It should be firm, heavy for its size, blemish-free, and matte in appearance. A fully ripe squash will have a uniform tan or light orange color, with no green or brown spots.
Next, wash the squash and use a sharp knife to carefully puncture it 6-8 times. This helps the squash cook more evenly. You can then place the whole squash in the crock pot and add a cup of water if desired. It is important to ensure the squash fits comfortably in the crock pot, and if it is too large, you may need to trim the ends.
After adding the squash, simply secure the lid and select the appropriate temperature and time settings. The cooking time will depend on the desired cooking temperature and the size of the squash. For a smaller squash, cooking on high for around 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours should be sufficient. For larger squash, increase the cooking time to 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Once the crock pot is turned on, your work is mostly done! You can then sit back and let the crock pot do its magic, slowly cooking the butternut squash to perfection.
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Cooking times and settings
Cooking a whole butternut squash in a crock pot is a simple and hands-off process. It is best to prick the squash with a sharp knife before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. You can also add a cup of water to the crock pot to help the squash cook more evenly.
Place the whole butternut squash into the crock pot and put the lid on. You can cook the squash on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it is done, turn off the crock pot and let the squash cool before removing it and cutting it in half. The squash is ready when it is soft all the way through and can be easily pierced with a fork or knife.
If you are using a smaller crock pot, you may need to trim the ends of the squash to ensure it fits properly. If your squash is particularly large, you may need to cut it in half before cooking to ensure it fits in the crock pot.
Once the squash is cooked, you can slice it open and scoop out the seeds. The skin will have softened and can be easily removed. The cooked squash can be enjoyed as is, or with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, or a pat of butter.
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How to serve butternut squash
Butternut squash is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It can be pureed, mashed, whipped, cubed, or roasted. Here are some ways to serve butternut squash:
As a Side Dish
Butternut squash makes a great side dish for a holiday meal, a Sunday roast, or a weeknight dinner. You can roast it and serve it with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, kale, and cauliflower. It can also be paired with proteins such as bacon, salmon, or chicken.
In a Salad
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious addition to a salad. Try pairing it with quinoa, arugula, walnuts, pomegranate, and a maple dressing. For a heartier salad, add crispy apples, tender kale, toasted pecans, and sweet cranberries with a maple dressing.
In a Soup
Butternut squash can be pureed and added to soups, such as a creamy butternut squash soup or a roasted butternut squash soup. It can also be used as a topping for other soups, like a mushroom risotto.
As a Main Course
Butternut squash can be a hearty and satisfying main course. It can be used in place of pumpkin in baked goods, such as a pumpkin waffle recipe. It can also be added to chilli recipes, frittatas, or pasta dishes. For a simple main course, slice a cooked butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, add butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper or cinnamon. Serve the halves right in the skin, and scoop out the squash to enjoy.
Seasonings and Flavour Enhancers
Butternut squash has a naturally sweet flavour that can be enhanced or complemented by various seasonings and flavour enhancers. Here are some options:
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Lime
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Caramel sauce
- Butter
- Warm milk
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Storing and reheating butternut squash
If you don't need to use your butternut squash right away, store it raw and whole (don't peel it!) in a cool, dark place. It can last for one to three months this way.
You can also store cooked butternut squash in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply place it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven when you're ready to eat it again. Reheat in 30-second increments in the microwave or at 400°F for 5-10 minutes in the oven.
Another option is to freeze your butternut squash. You can do this by pureeing the squash and freezing it in one-cup portions or ice cube trays. You can also cut the squash into one-inch cubes, spread them out on a sheet pan, and freeze them. Once they're frozen, transfer the squash to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer. They will last for up to a year.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking butternut squash in a crock pot takes 4-5 hours on a high setting or 6-8 hours on a low setting.
No, you don't need to peel or chop the butternut squash before cooking it in the crock pot. The squash will be easier to peel and chop after it has been cooked.
You can season the cooked butternut squash with salt, pepper, cinnamon, butter, or olive oil. You can also use it as an ingredient in soups, salads, baked goods, or as a side dish.
