Frozen Butternut Squash Recipes: An Easy and Nutritious Addition to Your Meals
Butternut squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable that’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. However, preparing butternut squash can be time-consuming and messy.
That’s where frozen butternut squash comes in! In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of frozen butternut squash and how you can use it to create delicious meals also.
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What is Frozen Butternut Squash?
Frozen butternut squash is butternut squash that has been peeled, seeded, and diced before being frozen. This means that it’s already prepped and ready to use in your favorite recipes. You can also find frozen butternut squash in the frozen vegetable section of your local grocery store, and it’s often available year-round.
The Benefits of Frozen Butternut Squash
Saves Time
One of the biggest advantages of using frozen butternut squash is that it saves time. Preparing butternut squash can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not used to cutting and peeling it. With frozen butternut squash, all the prep work is already done for you, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meals.
Reduces Waste
Another benefit of using frozen butternut squash is that it reduces waste. Butternut squash can be difficult to cut and peel, which can lead to a lot of waste. When you use frozen butternut squash, there’s no waste because the vegetable is already prepped and ready to use.
Convenient
Frozen butternut squash is also very convenient. You can keep it in your freezer and use it whenever you need it. This means that you don’t have to worry about your butternut squash going bad if you don’t use it right away. Plus, you can use as much or as little as you need, which makes it a great option for single people or small families.
Nutritious
Finally, frozen butternut squash is just as nutritious as fresh butternut squash. It’s loaded with fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, which are all important for maintaining good health. In fact, frozen vegetables are often more nutritious than fresh vegetables because they’re picked at their peak ripeness and then immediately frozen, which locks in all the nutrients.
How to Use Frozen Butternut Squash
Frozen butternut squash can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and even desserts. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a classic recipe that’s perfect for cold winter nights. To make it, sauté some onions and garlic in a pot, then add your frozen butternut squash and some vegetable broth. Simmer everything together until the squash is tender, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. Add some heavy cream, salt, and pepper to taste, and enjoy!
Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for fall. To make butternut squash risotto, sauté some onions and garlic in a pot, then add your frozen butternut squash and some arborio rice. Stir everything together, then gradually add some vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
Add some Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste, and enjoy!
Butternut Squash Casserole
Butternut squash casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. To make it, mix your frozen butternut squash with some cooked quinoa, chopped onions, garlic, and herbs like sage and thyme. Place the mixture in a baking dish, then top it with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the oven until the top is golden brown and the squash is tender, then serve hot.
Butternut Squash Brownies
Yes, you read that right – you can even use frozen butternut squash in desserts! Butternut squash brownies are a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. To make them, puree your frozen butternut squash in a food processor, then mix it with some cocoa powder, eggs, almond flour, and maple syrup.
Bake in the oven until the brownies are set, then enjoy your guilt-free treat.
If you are a fan of spicy food then you should know How to Make Spicy Butternut Squash Soup?
Frozen Butternut Squash Recipes
Here are three delicious frozen butternut squash recipes:
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 16-ounce package of frozen butternut squash, thawed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent
- Add the thyme, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper to the pot, and stir to combine. Cook for another minute or two, until the spices, are fragrant
- Add the butternut squash and vegetable broth to the pot, and bring the mixture to a simmer Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is very tender
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor, and puree until the soup is smooth and creamy
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If you’d like a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream. Serve hot
You can also try The Amazing Grilled Butternut Squash.
Butternut Squash And Black Bean Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce package of frozen butternut squash, thawed
- 1 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 16-ounce jar enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray
- In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, black beans, brown rice, red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine
- Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave or a skillet, until they’re soft and pliable
- Spoon the butternut squash mixture onto each tortilla, and roll it up tightly. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas, and sprinkle with the shredded cheese
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot
Butternut Squash And Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce package of frozen butternut squash, thawed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Toss the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Spread the squash out on the prepared baking sheet
- Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s tender and golden brown
- In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss to coat. Serve immediately
FAQs | Frozen Butternut Squash Recipes
Yes, frozen butternut squash is a healthy ingredient that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, among other nutrients.
Yes, frozen butternut squash is a great ingredient for soups and stews. It can be added directly to the pot and will cook down to a creamy texture, adding flavor and nutrition to your dish.
There are several brands of frozen butternut squash that are recommended for recipes, including Cascadian Farm, Green Giant, and Trader Joe’s. It is important to read the label to ensure that the squash is 100% pure, without any added preservatives or flavorings.
Conclusion | Frozen Butternut Squash Recipes
In conclusion, frozen butternut squash is a convenient and healthy ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. From soups and stews to casseroles and salads, there are countless ways to incorporate this versatile vegetable into your cooking.
Using frozen butternut squash can save you time and also reduce waste in the kitchen, making it a great option for busy households. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, be sure to try out some of these frozen butternut squash recipes and discover the many benefits of this delicious and nutritious ingredient!
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