If you’re on side dish duty this festive season, this Smashed Sweet Butternut is a winner! It’s buttery, comforting, and so easy to make with just five ingredients. Perfect for a quick and tasty addition to your festive table!
Smashed Buttery Butternut Side Dish Recipe
If you’re searching for a standout side dish to grace your festive table, look no further than Smashed Sweet Butternut. This recipe is everything you want in a side dish , buttery, comforting, and delightfully simple to prepare.
With just five key ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to your menu, whether you’re hosting a feast or contributing to a potluck.
This dish takes advantage of the natural sweetness of butternut squash, enhanced by a touch of sugar and the richness of butter. The addition of fresh parsley brings a pop of colour and a hint of freshness, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Plus, its quick preparation time ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg cleaned cut, and cubed butternut
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by preparing a large pot of water. Add the salt to the water and stir to ensure it dissolves evenly. This step helps to infuse the butternut with flavour as it cooks.
- Carefully place the cubed butternut into the pot, ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced and submerged. Bring the water to a boil and allow the butternut to cook until it is tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes.
- Once the butternut is cooked, drain the water thoroughly. This is a crucial step to avoid excess moisture in the final dish, which could make it overly soft.
- Using a spatula or a masher, gently smash the butternut to your desired consistency. For this recipe, aim for a slightly chunky texture that retains some bite while still being soft and creamy.
- While the butternut is still warm, mix in the butter and sugar. Stir until the butter has melted completely and is evenly distributed, giving the dish its signature richness and sweetness.
- Add the chopped parsley and fold it gently into the butternut. The parsley not only adds a burst of colour but also complements the sweetness with its fresh, herbaceous flavour.
- Serve the Smashed Sweet Butternut immediately, while it’s warm and fragrant. For an optional festive twist, consider finishing the dish with a dash of mixed spice or cinnamon. This adds a subtle warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the butternut.
Video
Notes
Tips for Success
– When cutting the butternut, aim for uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
– Be careful not to overcook the butternut, as it can become too soft and lose its structure. Test it frequently with a fork to achieve the perfect tenderness.
-For added texture, consider topping the dish with toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, just before serving. Pairing Suggestions
Smashed Sweet Butternut pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside roasted meats, such as turkey or lamb, or as part of a vegetarian spread featuring dishes like nut roasts or lentil loaves. Its mild sweetness also complements savoury flavours, making it a versatile choice for any festive menu.
This recipe is not just for the festive season. Its simplicity and wholesome ingredients make it a great option for weeknight dinners or as a side for Sunday roasts. Once you try it, Smashed Sweet Butternut is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
– When cutting the butternut, aim for uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
– Be careful not to overcook the butternut, as it can become too soft and lose its structure. Test it frequently with a fork to achieve the perfect tenderness.
-For added texture, consider topping the dish with toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, just before serving. Pairing Suggestions
Smashed Sweet Butternut pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside roasted meats, such as turkey or lamb, or as part of a vegetarian spread featuring dishes like nut roasts or lentil loaves. Its mild sweetness also complements savoury flavours, making it a versatile choice for any festive menu.
This recipe is not just for the festive season. Its simplicity and wholesome ingredients make it a great option for weeknight dinners or as a side for Sunday roasts. Once you try it, Smashed Sweet Butternut is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.