How Do You Serve Butternut Squash Cooked In The Instant Pot
- I love butternut squash cooked like this and Ill often slice the cooked squash in half, remove the seeds, then add a pat of butter in each hollow where the seeds were. Ill add a sprinkle of salt and pepper or salt and cinnamon to the cut sides of the squash and serve the halves right in the skin. We pass the plate and scoop out the squash we like and spoon a little of the melted butter over our portion.
- I also like to treat the cooked squash like you would mashed potatoes and whip it up well with butter, warm milk, and salt. Mashed butternut squash is delicious.
- I also like to use it like you would pumpkin puree, potatoes, or sweet potatoes . You can also use it in your favorite chili recipes! I love pureed squash in our favorite;Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili. So many options!
How To Cook Cubed Butternut Squash In The Instant Pot
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Scoop out all the seeds and strings using a regular table spoon.
You can poke holes in the squash, but I dont think its necessary since squash is pretty porous.
Add about one cup of water to the Instant Pot and then set the roasting rack insert in the pot. The water should not touch the insert, otherwise it will leach away some of the nutrients.
After putting the squash down, add butter, and whatever flavoring you want.
Put the lid on the pot, make sure the vent is sealed, and set the pressure cook to for six minutes.
Some people like their squash a little firm, so they cook it for 4-5 minutes, but I like mine soft so I cook it longer. If you find yours isnt soft enough just pop it back in for 1-2 minutes more.
Instant Pot recommends doing a quick vent, and I agree, so that the squash doesnt overcook.
Carefully lift the insert out or scoop the squash with a spoon or tongs, being careful not to puncture the skin or cause the yummy flavoring in the center of the squash to spill out.
Enjoy!
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Two Ways To Cook Whole Squash
I’ve always halved or quartered squash when cooking it in either an Instant Pot or the oven. However, one day my sister told me about cooking a squash whole instead of cutting it up. Immediately I wondered, how come I’d never thought of that?! Now that I’ve seen the light, I’m going to show you how to cook a squash whole in both an Instant Pot and an oven. I will provide simple and easy instructions for each method.
How To Cook Acorn Squash
My favorite way to Cook Acorn Squash is to bake it whole in the oven. The main reason I like this method is that its super easy, and I dont have to cut through the tough skin try to scoop out the seeds while it is raw and harder to handle.
Have you ever tried to cut a large raw squash of any type and found that it can be quite tough and difficult? Thats what I kept running into before deciding that baking the whole thing first made for a much easier experience.
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What Is Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a winter squash with a mild naturally sweet flavor that’s in between a sweet potato and pumpkin. In fact, you can substitute it for either one in most recipes. I’ll often serve butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes because it’s lower in carbs.
Like other winter squash—from spaghetti squash to acorn squash—it has a thick hard skin that is difficult to peel. And the squash itself is hard to cut when it’s raw. It’s much easier to cook butternut squash whole and cut it after it’s cooked.
Whole butternut squash it will keep for a few weeks so you can store it in the pantry until you need it. Look for one that’s heavy and firm with smooth unblemished skin.
This post includes some affiliate links for your;convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy;here.
Tools For Instant Pot Acorn Squash
First, rinse and pat dry the acorn squash.
Then, with a very sharp knife cut the acorn squash in half.
*Pro Tip: Acorn squashs skin is a bit hard to cut in at first, so be careful! If necessary, you can stabilize the acorn squash by forming a ring with a kitchen towel at the bottom.
Finally, with a spoon, scrape out seeds and stringy bits in the acorn squash.
*Pro Tip: You can save the acorn squash seeds for later if you want to roast them in the oven.
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Is Acorn Squash Keto
Unlike delicata squash, ;acorn squash is not keto-friendly! Though this Fall squash is high is fiber and is naturally gluten-free, it has about 20 net carbs per cup, which is considered high for most keto dieters. On the other hand, butternut squash has just about 15 net carbs per cup, making it acceptable for a keto diet.
Ingredients For Roasted Acorn Squash
The ingredients that you need to roast acorn squash are simple! Open up your spice cupboard and I am sure that you will already have most of these ingredients which will make this recipe extra quick! See the recipe card below for a list of exact ingredient measurements.
- Acorn squash: Before baking these, you will need to deseed them and cut them up into quarters!
- Olive oil: This will help your spices stick to the squash, creating that amazing flavor!
- Parmesan: Cheese is a MUST to complete this recipe!
- Parsley, thyme and garlic powder: A combination of spices that bring out a delicious earthy flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: This will create some spice without too much heat.
- Salt and pepper: These will enchance the taste of all of the other ingredients!
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Make Maple Butter Sauce
While the acorn squash is pressure cooking, lets make the spoon-licking tasty maple butter sauce!
First, melt 2 tbsp butter in a microwave or on the stovetop.;
In a small mixing bowl, mix 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, and tsp nutmeg together.;
You can sneak in a little taste test hereyum!!
The delicious maple butter sauce should thicken as it cools down. Then, set aside the yummy sauce.
Pressure Cook Acorn Squash
First, add 1 cup of cold water and a trivet in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.
Then, place the halved & seeded acorn squash in Instant Pot on the trivet.
Lightly season acorn squash with a bit of coarse salt.
Close the Instant Pot lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.
Pressure Cooking Method:
- For Smaller Acorn Squash Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 4 minutes, then 10 minutes Natural Release.
- For Larger Acorn Squash Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 6 7 minutes, then 10 minutes Natural Release.
*Note Cooking Time: Be sure to adjust the pressure cooking time according to how soft you like your acorn squash & depending on the size of your acorn squash.
After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning Venting Knob to Venting Position.
Once the Floating Valve drops, open the lid carefully.
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What About Cooking Squash In The Microwave
So, yes, it is possible to cook squash in the microwave.
Doing it that way would also keep your kitchen cool and it is relatively quick, but heres the thing
The Instant Pot is going to cook the squash in about the same amount of time with lots less babysitting!;
Plus, I truly believe the result is way better in the Instant Pot. The microwave has a tendency to make everything just a little too mushy while also being rubbery and that texture combo is just NOT my favorite thing.
In our house, we try to use the microwave as little as possible. Weve found over and over again that the non-microwave methods of preparing foods are almost always just as easy and actually make the food taste a whole lot better.
Instapot Acorn Squash Cooking Time
Are you wondering what the timing would be for cooking Instapot acorn squash? It does not take that long to cook at all.
Squash halves take just 4 minutes of cooking time to cook in the Instant Pot! Once the cooking time is over, use natural release, and wait for the Instant Pot pin to drop. Once that happens, it is done!
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More Squash Recipes To Try
Squash can last a long time after its been picked. So after you get your hands on some, here are a few more recipes that you can try!! I absolutely love adding squash as an appetizer or a side but you can even use it as your main dish! Squash is SO versatile and you can make so many different things with it and I think that they are all worth a try! Enjoy!
Soup Recipes
Can You Freeze Acorn Squash
You can freeze the completed stuffed acorn squash. Store each half in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Another option is just to freeze the components.
The best way to freeze acorn squash is diced or mashed, but you can freeze the whole halves too. You must cook it prior to freezing. Acorn squash will last in the freezer for 3 months.
If you freeze the diced acorn squash, you can combine it with the filling later for a deconstructed version of this meal.
You can also freeze the ground meat and kale filling for two to three months.
To reheat, let the components defrost overnight in the fridge then microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. It would taste fresher reheated in the oven, so another option is to bake in a 400 F oven for 10 minutes. The higher oven temperature will crisp up the squash once its been frozen.
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Instant Pot Acorn Squash Soup
No Autumn would feel right without a soup of the squash variety.
Theres just something about a squash-based soup that provides you with such comfort and warmth while slurping it, its no wonder these soups are a staple at the Thanksgiving table!
And while a Butternut Squash Soup is usually the star player at many a cornucopia, I shall adorn my table with something I think tastes even better, richer and more astounding: ACORN Squash Soup!
This squash is more reminiscent of a sweet potato and it will taste so incredibly rich, creamy and harvesty that Im pretty sure this will be your new favorite squash soup! Whats more? Its a BREEZE to make in the;Instant Pot!
Heres How I Made It!:
Well begin some some acorn squash
and slicing it in half longways/top-to-bottom .
Now take an ice cream scooper
and scoop out the seeds
Place the trivet and some water to the Instant Pot
and layer the squash in a way so they fit in the pot.; Secure the lid and cook at high pressure.
While the squash is cooking, take some shallots
and dice em up!
When the squash is done, it will have softened. Carefully remove it with tongs
and set aside to cool.
Now, go back to the pot and rinse and dry it out. Heat it up and add in some olive oil
and butter.
Once they begin to sizzle
add in the shallots and stir for a few minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Then, add in the garlic
and stir that up for another minute.
and add it to the pot.
;and also add to the pot.
What Is Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash is a winter squash that is shaped like an acorn! Compared to other winter squashes, its relatively smaller in size.
The most common type of acorn squash has distinctive exterior ridges on its thick, tough, & dark green skin, sometimes with bright orange patches.
The sweet yellow-orange flesh tastes somewhat similar to butternut squash, but its slightly more fibrous and stringy.
Due to its tough skin, its very common to bake or roast acorn squash for pasta, rice, risotto, or served as a side dish. But acorn squash can also be sauteed or steamed. Plus, you can toast the squash seeds to eat!
You can make savory or sweet dishes with acorn squash such as stuffed acorn squash, mashed acorn squash, acorn squash curry, acorn squash risottoetc.
Acorn squash is very nutritious, low in calories yet packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
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How To Freeze Chopped Butternut Squash
- Line a sheet pan with nonstick foil or a Silpat liner.; Scatter cooked or uncooked cubes of squash on the pan and place it in the;freezer.; Once frozen, put them in a freezer-safe ziplock.
- For cooked squash, let it thaw in the fridge.; For uncooked squash, you can throw them frozen into the Instant Pot and cook for 9 minutes with a quick pressure release.
What Youll Need
First, decide if you want to cook your squash halved, with the skin still on, or peeled and chopped into small cubes.
If you plan to mash or puree, the results will be the exact same whether you mash or puree from halved squash or cubed squash. So, unless you really love to peel and chop this tough winter fruit , then I highly recommend just cutting it in half, scooping out the seeds, and leaving the skin on.
Tools and equipment:
Steaming trivet or silicone basket
Paring Knife; or;Vegetable Peeler
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How To Serve It
You can use your cooked butternut squash for anything from mashed butternut squash to butternut squash soup to baked goods .
For mashed squash, you can mash it like you would mashed potatoes and add your favorite seasonings. I love it simply with ghee, sea salt, and cracked pepper. For a dairy-free version try it with fresh organic olive oil and fresh herbs.
It’s also great for a quick breakfast. Dice it and fry with some vegetables for a quick hash topped with eggs. Or try this easy frittata recipe for a quick meal.
I like to meal prep butternut squash and store it in the fridge for a quick and easy side dish. One squash is usually enough for a few meals for my family and will keep for several days once its cooked.
Cooking A Whole Butternut Squash In The Instant Pot
Butternut squash are known for their difficulty to chop and peel. In fact, one of our contributing writers often enlists the help of a rubber mallet when trying to cut one.
For that reason, if you can find a butternut squash that will fit in your Instant Pot, this may actually be the best way to cook this hard to chop veggie!
By increasing the time under pressure, you can thoroughly cook the squash to be used as a puree. Just use the manual button to set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes.
Or if you would rather cube the squash to roast it later or use it in other recipes in its still solid form, you can cook it just long enough to make the chopping and peeling WAY easier to do.;
I love this genius hack manual setting, high pressure, 8 minutes, and voila butternut squash that doesnt require garage tools to chop.
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts How
For this recipe, you dont want chunks of the fall classic, Brussels sprouts. You want them shaved. Think of it almost like a slaw that you cook down.
I have the Breville sous chef food processor, and it has a blade attachment to do this. If you dont have a food processor, have no fear, you can cut them thin with a very sharp knife .
Ingredients In Stuffed Acorn Squash
The acorn squash creates the edible bowl for the rest of the ingredients you can make both the squash and the stuffing in your Instant Pot! You will need:
- Acorn squash
- Garlic
- Kale
Acorn squash delivers a large serving of magnesium, potassium, folate and Vitamin C, so this recipe can be in your regular meal plan.
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