Cooking butternut squash in an Instant Pot has become one of my favorite methods to prepare this delicious vegetable. Not only is it quick and easy, but it also yields perfectly tender and flavorful results. Today, I’m going to share with you the best method for cooking butternut squash in an Instant Pot. To start, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients: - Butternut squash - Water Now, let’s get started with the recipe!
How to Cook Butternut Squash in an Instant Pot
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the butternut squash. Cut off the top and bottom ends, then peel the tough skin using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon.
2. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes and place them in the Instant Pot.
3. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
5. Cook the butternut squash on high pressure for 4 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
7. Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot and use a fork to test the tenderness of the squash. It should be easily pierced with a fork.
8. Drain any excess liquid from the Instant Pot and transfer the cooked squash to a serving dish.
How to Prepare:
Now that you have perfectly cooked butternut squash, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas on how to prepare and serve it:
1. Make a simple butternut squash soup by blending the cooked squash with vegetable broth, curry powder, and coconut milk. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
2. Toss the cooked squash with cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
3. Mash the cooked squash with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon for a tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or turkey.
4. Roast the cooked squash in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will enhance its natural sweetness and make it a wonderful addition to any salad or grain bowl.
Preparation Time:
This method of cooking butternut squash in an Instant Pot takes about 10 minutes of active preparation time. The cooking time in the Instant Pot is 4 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release.
Overall, you can expect to have deliciously cooked butternut squash ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes!
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings of cooked butternut squash. Depending on your desired portion size, you can easily adjust the quantities accordingly.
Nutrition Facts:
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition facts for one serving of cooked butternut squash:
- Calories: 82
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
Tips:
- Be sure to choose a medium-sized butternut squash for this recipe. It should feel firm and heavy for its size.
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the cooked squash before serving.
- Don’t discard the seeds! Rinse them, toss them with a little oil, salt, and your favorite spices, then roast them in the oven for a tasty and nutritious snack.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash in this recipe. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Q: Can I use this same method to cook other types of squash?
A: Absolutely! This method can be used to cook various types of squash, such as acorn squash, spaghetti squash, or delicata squash.
Q: How long can I store the cooked butternut squash?
A: Cooked butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Now that you have the best method for cooking butternut squash in an Instant Pot, it’s time to get in the kitchen and give it a try. Whether you’re making soup, a side dish, or incorporating it into a main course, your taste buds will thank you for this flavorful and nutritious vegetable. Enjoy!
