Butternut Squash on Slimming World – a guide with Recipes

So many times, I have heard people say that they don’t know what to do with butternut squash and are 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.

Are you trying to eat more healthily, perhaps on Slimming World, weight watchers or another plan? Do you want to try butternut squash on Slimming World but are unsure about how to cook it? Here are many tips and tricks for you and recipes with butternut squash for you to try.

What is a butternut squash?

With its beautiful orange flesh and sweet, nutty flavour, butternut squash is a versatile and nutrient-packed vegetable.

In addition to being delicious, it offers numerous health benefits as its rich in fibre, vitamins A and C, and potassium. It offers endless possibilities when it comes to healthy cooking.

This post will delve into different cooking methods to prepare butternut squash more healthily, unlocking its full potential.

Roasting a butternut squash

Roasting butternut squash is a simple and delicious method that enhances its natural sweetness. To keep it healthy, avoid excessive oil and opt for a light coating of olive oil or a cooking spray.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the squash into cubes or slices, removing the skin and seeds.

Toss the squash in a small amount of oil, sprinkle with herbs like rosemary or thyme, and spread them evenly on the baking sheet.

Roast for approximately 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelised.

Sautéing butternut squash

Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into small cubes. Heat a little olive oil or butter in a skillet pan over medium heat.

Add the squash cubes and sauté them for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Steaming squash

Steaming butternut squash is a great option to preserve its nutrients while creating a tender and flavourful dish. Peel the squash and remove the seeds.

Cut it into chunks or slices and place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 15-20 minutes until the squash is fork-tender.

Steaming helps retain the vibrant colour and prevents excessive nutrient loss, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.

Mashed or Pureed 

For a comforting and creamy alternative, consider mashing or pureeing butternut squash.

After peeling and removing the seeds, cut the squash into small cubes and cook them in boiling water until tender. Drain the cooked squash and transfer it to a blender or food processor.

Add a touch of vegetable broth, low-fat milk, or non-dairy alternatives to achieve the desired consistency. Season with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for added flavour.

This method produces a smooth, velvety texture, perfect as a side dish or a base for soups and sauces.

Equipment you can buy to prepare a butternut squash

Many utensils and pieces of equipment will help you prepare your butternut squash perfectly. Here are just a few of my suggestions

Knives

Every kitchen should have a good set of knives. If you don’t have one you should invest in a set.

A sharp knife is a must when it comes to prepping butternut squash. With a knife, you can peel, slice and dice a squash in next to no time. 

A “Y” Vegetable Peeler

Why not use a “Y” shaped peeler to prepare your squash quickly? I prefer this way as it is so effective!

This OXO peeler has a sharp blade made from hardened stainless steel to ensure it can peel even the toughest fruits and vegetables.

It has a soft, non-slip handle, making it comfortable to use even when used repetitively.

Masher

If smooth mashed butternut squash is what you’re looking for then this OXO Good Grips Masher is what you need. Its fine grid pattern is designed to create a silky smooth mash.

It is perfect for mashing both root vegetables and fruit. It is a soft, broad-handled utensil that is designed for comfort. It is also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

Ricer

If you want to puree your squash, a ricer is exactly what you need. You can also use a ricer to make finer mash too. It can be used to mash potatoes, vegetables and fruit.

This stainless steel ricer is perfect for the job. It’s also easy to use and clean, as it’s dishwasher safe.

A Vegetable Chopper

This 14-in-1 Vegetable Chopper comes with a container for your chopped vegetables, a food drain basket, seven interchangeable blades, a pusher, an egg separator, a hand guard, a cleaning brush and a glove.

This food chopper will help you cut, slice, shred, mince and chop fruits and vegetables quickly and easily to save you time on meal preparation.

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 on Slimming World

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 on Slimming World is a great alternative to potatoes and starchy vegetables.

Using Butternut Squash on Slimming World – recipes

Unofficial Slimming World 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 Unofficial Slimming World Butternut Squash and red pepper soup.

Butternut squash chips

Have you tried butternut squash chips? They are a perfect way to enjoy butternut squash on Slimming World because they are lower carb than potatoes. Peel and chop up the butternut squash and cook like potato chips. They don’t crisp as well, but they are still yummy.

Paprika Wedges

Roasted butternut squash wedges sprinkled with paprika – Sprinkle with paprika before cooking and toss a couple of times so 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, this Moroccan chicken casserole 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 pasta bake

I love butternut squash and recently made a 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 makes a nice change and is perfect if you follow a low-carb diet. This is a popular way of enjoying butternut squash on Slimming World, particularly the SP plan.

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, check out if they are sold on weight or price. If it is price each, then always go for the biggest one!

Do you like butternut squash? What is your favourite recipe with butternut squash for Slimming World or other diets? Do you have any new ideas?