So many times I have heard people say that they really don’t know what to do with butternut squash and looking for tips. So, I thought I would post a few tips and recipes that may help you out if that is you.
It may just give you the confidence to go and buy one and experiment a little with it! As butternut squash has low-calorie density it is worth experimenting and seeing if you do enjoy it.
Tips for preparing a butternut squash
Peeling it is something that puts many people off but it really shouldn’t. There are two main ways I would recommend. One is to get a potato peeler on it and just peel it that way then chop it up removing the seeds.
The other is to cut it into chunks and microwave it until softer and then using a spoon scoop the flesh from the skin. This obviously works better if you want it soft for a recipe or can’t find the potato peeler!
Once you have peeled and chopped up the butternut squash there are many things you can do with one from chips to risotto and more.
Using butternut squash for weight loss
If you follow Slimming World, Weight Watchers (WW), Noom or any other weight loss plan butternut squash is usually free or easily within your allowances, of course always check your plan for advice.
Butternut squash is a great alternative to potatoes and starchy vegetables.
Butternut squash recipes
Butternut squash soup
This Butternut squash soup recipe is easy to make and so tasty. I often make it in my soup maker but it is just as easy to make on the hob. alternatively here is a slightly different butternut squash soup recipe so you can choose based on the ingredients you have.
Our family also love this Roasted Red Pepper and Butternut Squash Soup.
Butternut squash chips
Have you tried butternut squash chips? Simply peel and chop up the butternut squash and cook as you would potato chips. They don’t crisp as well but are still yummy.
Paprika Wedges
Roasted butternut squash wedges sprinkled with paprika – Sprinkle with paprika before cooking and toss a couple of times during cooking so that it is well coated.
Lasagne
Butternut squash in lasagne instead of pasta is perfect for a low-carb day. It really changes the flavour of the lasagne and is lovely, This butternut squash lasagne is a great recipe to try.
In a casserole
Add it to Sausage Casserole – If you want to give your casserole a bit more flavour and more filling adding butternut squash is perfect.
Alternatively, there is this Moroccan chicken casserole which is perfect with butternut squash.
Risotto
I absolutely love Butternut Squash Risotto. It is real comfort food and stodgy but actually good for you.
Butternut squash in a salad
Spiralised butternut squash in a salad. It sounds weird but it is absolutely lovely raw and spiralised in a salad. I must admit for this I buy the prepared spiralised one. In my opinion, life is too short to do it yourself!
Butternut squash in a pasta bake
I love butternut squash and recently made butternut squash and cherry tomato pasta bake which was delicious.
Enjoy it in a curry
Add it to a curry for a different flavour and texture. I love butternut squash in curry. It is a little like adding potato but with lots more flavour and not quite as heavy. In my opinion definitely worth trying.
Roasted on a Sunday dinner
Roasted on a Sunday dinner instead of potatoes – it makes a nice change and is perfect if you are following a low-carb diet.
Etsy for weight loss
If you are like me and like buying fun new items to motivate your weight loss, then here are my favourites. Etsy is great for items for the kitchen and weight loss goodies. I could spend hours browsing there.
There are so many great food diaries too so you can record your meal plans and track your weight loss to keep a record of the good and bad weeks. Click the photos to have a look for yourself.
Buying butternut squash tips
If you don’t fancy peeling and cutting your own lots of supermarkets have started selling it in the form of waffles, sheets for lasagne and more so worth looking at!
I always find discount supermarkets like Aldi have great value butternut squashes. Wherever you go do check out if they are sold on weight or price each. If it is price each then always go for the biggest one!
Do you like butternut squash? What is your favourite recipe with it? Do you have any new ideas?
I have a lot of weight loss guides and support if you want to exercise including if you have a condition like fibromyalgia.
Have a good look around and see how I can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Request my free resources to get you started too!
