butternut squash

[fergol]

is there an easy way of peeling a butternut squash?

[WendyS]

After my first attempt I decided not to bother and now either boil or roast it in chunks with the skin on. The skin quickly softens in the cooking and can just be removed on the plate without difficulty. If you still want to remove the skin first, suggest cutting slices across the vegetable as if you were cutting bread and then placing the circle of squash flat on a chopping board and cutting off the skin with a short sharp knife.

[fergol]

Thank you very much for your reply WendyS. I will pass the information on to my wife who is struggling as I write at this very moment in the kitchen.

[Lindylou]

I made butternut soup over the weekend. And I used a potato peeler to peel it. One of the 'swivel' ones.

[Grimalkin]

I struggled on for ages before realising you can use a potato peeler - works fine!

[thikasabrik]

I haven't a clue how to peel one but can I share my favourite butternut squash recipe with you?

Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Coat the squash with olive oil, salt and pepper, place on a baking tray and bake for 35 mins 200c/gas 6. Meanwhile make up some couscous as per the packet and add 1 teaspoon ginger, 1oz each of chopped dates, apricots and toasted pine nuts and the zest of a lemon. Pile this mixture into the squash and return to the oven for a further 5 mins. Garnish with fresh coriander then eat and enjoy. Mr Brik is vegetarian and this is one of his favourite meals, served with a nice salad.

[fergol]

Thank you so much for all your input.

[WendyS]

Thickasabrik (and I'm sure you arn't if you can come up with a recipe as delicious sounding as this !)

Definitely going to try it. We eat a lot of winter squashes, including one favourite variety called Sweet Dumpling which is the size of a large grapefruit and has flesh which tastes like baked sweet chestnuts. We usually cut them in two and bake them so will try stuffing them with your mixture. Then we can have the main meal and the pudding all in one course!

[fergol]

WendyS, could you please tell me where is the best place to buy winter squashes from?

[Rebecca611]

Yes I agree, chop the bloody thing in half lengthwise and roast it. You can sprinkle garlic and herbs over it to make it fragrant before you but it in the oven. When it comes out you can just scoop the insides out.

However, I usually ask the male variety to peel butternuts squashes for me!