What Do I Make with Butternut Squash?

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Hello, Fall is arriving and I’m ready for cooler weather and Butternut Squash! I guess a better way to accept this upcoming season is to dig out my sweaters from storage for “sweater days ahead.” As I shop and look for Fall vegetables at the farmer’s market, I’m seeing everything from fresh grapes, persimmons to pumpkins. There are many charts online to help you navigate through all this, but here I’ve selected a few tips on vegetables and fruit that are in season. Fall vegetables such as the butternut squash can be found September through November. Look for all squashes including butternut squash, king oyster mushrooms, persimmons, figs, grapes, eggplant, apples, beets, pearl onions, shallots sweet potatoes and Bok choy. For help in finding a farmer’s market check out this site: California Farmer’s Market Association.

How to cut a Butternut

I’m focusing on the great and mighty butternut squash. You can use this vegetable with so many cooking techniques such as roasting, saute, puree, and grilling. I have a step by step visual for you for cutting your butternut. Tips on cutting and cleaning a butternut can be found here.

Foods that belong together with Butternut Squash

Before we begin, let’s talk about foods that go together with butternut squash. Some will be obvious to you and many will be new for you to explore with. Use this list to create you own dishes and flavors.

Fruits: apples, pears, lemon, oranges, pineapples
Spices and Herbs: ancho chiles, cinnamon, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, saffron, pepper, mint, parsley, sage, thyme, ginger. paprika, curry
Vegetables: celery root, onions, garlic, leeks, potatoes
Misc.: butter, olive oil, cream, Parmesan cheese, raisins, chorizo, nuts, chestnuts, Cheddar cheese, sherry, truffles, vanilla.

Here a few dishes from my collection you might enjoy and try in your kitchen.

Greek Panzanella Salad with Butternut Squash