This comforting butternut squash sage mash is a delightful side dish that brings together the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy aroma of sage. Perfect for fall and winter meals, this dish is both simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
If you don't usually cook with butternut squash, you might need to familiarize yourself with its preparation. Make sure to peel, seed, and cube it properly. Dried sage is another ingredient that might not be in your pantry, but it adds a unique flavor that complements the squash beautifully. You can find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Butternut Squash Sage Mash
Butternut squash: A sweet, nutty-flavored winter squash that needs to be peeled, seeded, and cubed.
Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the mash.
Dried sage: Provides an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the squash.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the sweetness of the squash.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mashing the butternut squash, use a potato masher or a fork for a chunkier texture, or a hand blender for a smoother consistency. To enhance the flavor, consider roasting the squash instead of boiling it. Simply toss the cubed squash with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until tender. This will add a deeper, caramelized flavor to your mash.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative.
butternut squash - Substitute with pumpkin: Pumpkin offers a similar consistency and flavor profile, especially when mashed.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich flavor and healthy fats, making it a suitable replacement for butter.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture, ideal for mashes.
dried sage - Substitute with fresh sage: Fresh sage has a more vibrant flavor; use about twice the amount of dried sage.
dried sage - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a different but complementary herbal note that works well in mashes.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be a more flavorful and natural alternative to regular table salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, offering a different but exciting twist.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the butternut squash mash to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the mash watery.
- Transfer the cooled mash into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of mash snugly to minimize air exposure.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to use the mash within 3-4 days. The cool environment will help maintain its flavor and texture.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the mash. Portion the mash into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and allow for quicker thawing.
- When ready to use, thaw the mash in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain the mash's creamy consistency.
- Reheat the thawed mash gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick.
- Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed, as freezing can sometimes dull the flavors.
- For an extra touch, consider adding a fresh sprinkle of sage or a pat of butter before serving to enhance the dish's aroma and richness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover butternut squash mash in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help rehydrate the mash. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Heat until the mash is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer the mash to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked for ventilation. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the mash is hot.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the butternut squash mash in an even layer in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through the reheating process for even warming.
Double Boiler Method: Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place the butternut squash mash in a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the pot without touching the water. Stir occasionally until the mash is warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This gentle method helps retain the creamy texture.
Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the mash to a slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let it warm for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect if you need to keep the mash warm for a longer period without drying it out.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Peeler: To remove the skin from the butternut squash efficiently.
Chef's knife: For cutting the squash into cubes after peeling and seeding.
Cutting board: A safe surface to cut and cube the butternut squash.
Large pot: To boil the cubed butternut squash in salted water.
Colander: For draining the water from the boiled squash.
Potato masher: To mash the butternut squash until smooth.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the butter and dried sage accurately.
Wooden spoon: To stir the butter and sage into the mashed squash.
Salt shaker: For seasoning the mash with salt to taste.
Pepper grinder: For adding freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cut squash: Buy pre-cut butternut squash from the store to save time on peeling and cubing.
Microwave option: Use the microwave to steam the squash for faster cooking. Place in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes.
Use a food processor: Instead of mashing by hand, use a food processor to achieve a smooth consistency quickly.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the butter and sage ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for future use.
Butternut Squash Sage Mash Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash.
- 2. Boil the squash in a pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
- 3. Drain the squash and return to the pot.
- 4. Add butter and dried sage to the pot.
- 5. Mash until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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