Recipe: How to Prepare a Perfect Butternut Squash

Ingredients

• Butternut Squash

Instructions

Step 1

Choosing a Butternut Squash
Look for a squash with a beige color and smooth skin. Butternut squash usually weighs between 2 to 5 pounds and taste similar to sweet potatoes. The more orange the flesh of the squash, the sweeter it tastes.

Step 2

Butternut Squash Preparations
You can cook a butternut squash whole. You can cut it in half and bake it, or you may want to cut it into small pieces for a specific recipe. If you are making a soup or a vegetable dish, you will need to peel the squash.

Step 3

Peeling a Butternut Squash
It can be tricky to peel. First cut off the ends to help keep the squash stable while you are peeling it.

If you have a serrated peeler, use it to peel the squash. If you are finding this difficult or if you don't have a serrated peeler, you can slightly cook the squash to help soften the skin.

Step 4

Peeling Tips
Microwave it for about 3 minutes and you'll see it's much easier to peel. Use a peeler or a paring knife to take off the skin.

Step 5

Butternut Squash Cutting
Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Be careful and hold the squash steady. With a spoon or melon ball scoop, remove the seeds and membranes. The butternut squash is now ready to be cut and added according to your recipe.

If you need chunks, cut the squash in half. Next slice the squash into strips and then cut those strips into chunks. Depending on your recipe, you may need half, slices or small pieces.

Butternut squash can be great baked on its own, as base for a soup or in a casserole.