Maple Walnut Squash Puree is a delightful make-ahead dish that perfectly complements your holiday table or weeknight dinner. With its smooth texture and rich flavors, this recipe is a must-have for any occasion, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy winter night. Plus, it’s healthy too, fitting seamlessly into low-protein and low-cholesterol diets. So, let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to create this delectable dish step by step!
Maple Walnut Squash Puree
Ingredients:
- 12 cups of squash
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of walnuts
- 1/4 cup of pecans
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a shallow baking dish (8 cup size) lightly and set it aside.
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Cook the Squash:
- Start by cooking the squash until tender. You can do this by boiling it in water for approximately 25 minutes. Once the squash is tender, drain it thoroughly.
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Puree the Squash:
- Transfer the cooked squash to a food processor and puree it until smooth. This will give your puree a creamy texture, ensuring every bite is silky and luxurious.
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Blend in the Flavor:
- To enhance the flavor of the puree, add in the butter, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend everything together until well incorporated. The butter adds richness, while the maple syrup brings a subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the squash.
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Assemble and Store:
- Spoon the prepared puree into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. At this point, you have options: you can either serve it immediately or prepare it ahead of time.
- If you choose to make it ahead, you can refrigerate the casserole, covered, for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 2 weeks. If you opt for freezing, make sure to thaw the casserole in the fridge for 3 days before planning to serve it.
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Bake and Serve:
- When you’re ready to serve, bake the puree in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. This will heat it through and allow the flavors to meld.
- After 25 minutes, take the baking dish out of the oven and decorate the puree with walnuts and pecans for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Pop it back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes to allow the nuts to toast slightly and infuse their flavors into the puree.
- Once done, remove from the oven and serve this delightful Maple Walnut Squash Puree alongside your favorite poultry or pork dish, or even as a standalone side.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 166.1
- Fat Content: 7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3g
- Cholesterol Content: 11.4mg
- Sodium Content: 37.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 27.4g
- Fiber Content: 3.4g
- Sugar Content: 4.6g
- Protein Content: 2.3g
This Maple Walnut Squash Puree serves 8, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dish on a cold winter night, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and creamy texture. So, why wait? Give it a try and elevate your dinner table with this delightful side dish! 🍁🥣
