Tillie Doyle
Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in anything from soup to baked goods. It's also a great side dish, and cooking it in a crock pot is a simple, hands-off way to prepare it. The crock pot method is also a great way to cook butternut squash without the hassle of cutting it up first, and it's versatile enough that you can season it however you like.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 2-3 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high |
| Ingredients | Butternut squash, salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, cinnamon, apple juice, brown sugar, maple syrup |
| Seasoning | Sweet or savory spices |
| Flexibility | Hands-off, foolproof, slow cooking |
| Texture | Tender, buttery, creamy |
| Dietary considerations | Low-fat, no added oil, butter, or fat |
| Recipe ideas | Soup, baked goods, frittata, chilli, waffles, shepherd's pie, tacos, mac and cheese, fritters, risotto |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for several days or pureed and frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the crockpot for your butternut squash
When choosing a crockpot for your butternut squash, consider the size of the squash and the crockpot. A 4-quart crockpot, for example, may be suitable for a small squash. If you're cooking squash wedges, a 5-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended. Lining the crockpot with aluminium foil can make cleanup easier, especially when cooking without any additional liquid.
The versatility of crockpot butternut squash is another advantage. It can be used as a simple side dish or as the base for a variety of fall and winter recipes. You can slice the cooked squash in half and serve it right in the skin, or remove the flesh and use it in recipes such as soups, baked goods, or mashed dishes. The cooked squash can also be stored in the fridge for several days or pureed and frozen in portions for later use.
When selecting a butternut squash for your crockpot, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of bruises, dents, or soft spots. The skin should be matte, not shiny or waxy, and the stem should be dark brown and intact. A fully ripened squash will have a uniform tan colour, with no green streaks or brown spots, which indicate under-ripeness or frost damage, respectively.
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Seasoning with sweet or savoury spices
Butternut squash has a natural sweetness, which can be enhanced with sweet or savoury spices. Seasoning the squash is a great way to add flavour without adding fat, making it a healthy option for those on a low-fat diet.
When it comes to sweet spices, cinnamon is a popular choice, adding a warm, aromatic flavour. You can also try nutmeg, allspice, or a combination of these spices, for a more complex flavour profile. For a truly sweet treat, maple sugar can be melted into the squash flesh, or you could try drizzling maple syrup over the cooked squash.
Savoury spices can also be used to season butternut squash. A simple option is to sprinkle the squash with salt and pepper. Alternatively, dukkah, an Egyptian spice and nut blend, can be used to add a savoury kick. Cayenne pepper is another option for those who like a little heat.
The spices can be added before or after cooking the squash in the crock pot. If you want the spices to really infuse into the squash, add them before cooking. However, if you want a stronger, more concentrated flavour, it might be better to add the spices after cooking. This will also help to avoid over-spicing the dish.
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Crockpot butternut squash serving suggestions
Crockpot butternut squash is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Simple Seasoning
For a simple and straightforward option, serve the crockpot butternut squash with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter to enhance the flavour and texture. This method allows the natural sweetness of the squash to shine through.
Savory Spices
If you prefer a savoury flavour profile, you can season the crockpot butternut squash with spices such as cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These spices add a depth of flavour and a subtle kick to the sweetness of the squash. You can also experiment with other spice blends, such as the Egyptian spice and nut blend known as dukkah.
Maple Glaze
For a sweet and indulgent option, create a maple glaze by coating the squash in maple sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The maple sugar melts into the squash flesh, infusing it with a rich maple flavour. This dish can be served warm with a dollop of yogurt, chopped fruit, and granola for a unique breakfast or dessert option.
Mashed Butternut Squash
For a comforting and creamy dish, mash the crockpot butternut squash with butter, warm milk, and salt to taste. The mashed squash can be served as a side dish, similar to mashed potatoes, or used as a topping for dishes like Shepherd's Pie. The addition of butter and warm milk creates a rich and indulgent texture.
Puree
For an even smoother and more refined dish, puree the crockpot butternut squash in a food processor. The puree can be frozen in portion sizes and easily thawed for later use. This versatile puree can be used in a variety of recipes, such as soups, baked goods, or even as a replacement for pumpkin puree in pies or waffles.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy crockpot butternut squash in a variety of ways, showcasing its versatility and delicious flavour.
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How to pick a good butternut squash
When picking a good butternut squash, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, examine the skin of the squash. Avoid any with soft spots, bruises, or cuts, as these may indicate that the squash is not fresh. Look for a squash with a matte finish and an even, creamy tan colour. A shiny or waxy appearance may indicate that the squash was picked too early and is not yet ripe.
To test the ripeness of a butternut squash, use your fingernail to gently prick the surface. If your nail goes through easily, the squash is not ripe enough and will likely have a starchy, flavourless, or bitter taste. A ripe butternut squash will have a hard exterior that cannot be easily punctured. You can also try the "knock test" by tapping the sides of the squash and listening for a hollow sound, which indicates ripeness.
The shape of the butternut squash can also be a factor in your selection. Butternut squash typically has a broader neck and a rounded bottom. Look for squash with longer necks and smaller bulbs, as these will have a larger yield of meat and a smaller seed cavity.
Lastly, check the stem of the butternut squash. It should be firm and dry, with no signs of softness or mould growth. A healthy stem indicates that the squash is fresh and has been recently harvested.
Remember, even if a butternut squash looks imperfect or oddly shaped, it can still be delicious. Overripe or underripe squash, however, may have a less desirable texture and flavour, so it is essential to assess ripeness when selecting your squash.
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How to prepare the butternut squash
Preparing butternut squash in a crock pot is simple and versatile. It can be used as a base for many dishes, from butternut squash soup to baked goods, and can be frozen for later use.
The first step is to select a good butternut squash. Choose one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of bruises, dents, or soft spots. The skin should be matte, and the stem should be dark brown and intact. A fully ripened squash will have a uniform tan colour, with no green streaks or brown spots.
Once you have selected your squash, you can choose to either cook it whole or cut it in half. If cooking it whole, you may wish to poke a few slits in the squash with a knife first. Place the whole squash in your crock pot, and cook it on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you are halving the squash, scoop out the seeds, and arrange the halves in the crock pot, cut-side up. Sprinkle with salt, and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
After cooking, remove the squash from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. If you cooked the whole squash, cut it in half from the stem to the base. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and either discard them or roast them. The squash will now be easy to peel, and you can scoop out the soft flesh to chop into cubes or use as is.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking butternut squash in a crock pot is simple. Put a whole butternut squash in the crock pot and cook for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. You can then scoop out the seeds and either chop the flesh into cubes or enjoy it as it is.
You can skip the hassle of peeling and chopping the squash by cooking it whole. However, some people recommend poking a few slits in the squash with a knife before cooking.
After crock pot cooking, you can slice the squash in half, remove the seeds, and add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, cinnamon, or butter. You can also mash the squash with butter, warm milk, and salt, or use it as a pumpkin puree.
You can use crock pot butternut squash as a base for baked goods, soups, or chilis. You can also freeze the puree in one-cup portions to easily grab and thaw as much squash as you need for a recipe.
