Published By: Soham Halder

Sabzi of the day - Why Butternut Squash Deserves a Spot on Your Plate: Incredible Benefits & Easy Recipes

Welcome to the world of butternut squash, where health meets flavour. Discover recipes that will make this winter vegetable the star of your kitchen.

If you are looking to add a splash of colour and a dose of health to your plate this winter season, then there is no better vegetable than Butternut Squash. It is a nutrient-packed gem that’s as versatile as it is delicious. From savoury curries to sweet desserts, this orange-fleshed wonder is technically a fruit but is packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, which elevate your meals and also your well-being. Keep reading to uncover its benefits and master easy recipes that will make it a must-have in your kitchen.

Butternut Squash and Red Lentil Curry

Cooking Time: 45 min

Ingredients

  • Butternut squash
  • Red lentils
  • Coconut milk
  • Onion
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Curry powder
  • Turmeric
  • Cumin seeds
  • Vegetable stock
  • Coriander leaves
  • Oil

Recipe

  • Start by Sautéing cumin seeds in oil until they are aromatic. Then add onions and cook until they are translucent.
  • Stir in ginger-garlic paste to the mix. Add turmeric and curry powder.
  • Now add the squash cubes and lentils. Stir well, then pour in vegetable stock and coconut milk.
  • Let it simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes or until the squash and lentils are tender.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed rice or chapati.

Credit: Jessicainthekitchen/@instagram

Sweet and Sour Butternut Squash Curry

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • Butternut squash
  • Dried red chilli
  • Cumin seeds
  • Turmeric powder
  • Chili powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Garam masala
  • Amchur powder
  • Salt
  • Oil

Recipe

  • Heat a pan and add avocado oil.
  • Add whole red chilli and cumin seeds and let them crackle.
  • Add the diced butternut squash and stir well.
  • Sprinkle salt, turmeric powder, chilli powder, and coriander powder.
  • Saute on low heat and cover, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
  • Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
  • Once the squash is soft, lightly mash it with a spatula.
  • Stir in amchur powder and garam masala.
  • Cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Serve your sweet and tangy Butternut Squash curry with rice or parathas.

Credit: eatswithmish/@instagram

Butternut Squash Soup

Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 min

Ingredients

  • Butternut Squash
  • Carrots
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Curry powder
  • Paprika
  • Vegetable broth

Recipe

  • Start with preheating the oven to 200°C.
  • Now place all the vegetables on a baking tray & drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, curry powder, and paprika.
  • Roast the vegetables for 1 hour until soft and lightly caramelised.
  • Transfer the roasted vegetables to a pot and add vegetable broth.
  • Blend the soup until smooth & add salt to taste.
  • Simmer briefly and garnish with cream, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and parsley.

Credit: bezhwena/@instagram

These butternut squash recipes, with their irresistible flavours and health-packed goodness, are a delicious way to stay nourished this winter. Try these recipes with friends and loved ones this holiday season and make Butternut Squash a wonderful addition to the celebration.