Not sure what is the best way to cut butternut squash? Don’t miss out on cooking with this tasty and versatile vegetable. Although cutting this vegetable may seem difficult, it’s easier than you think.
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Sure, a butternut squash has a tough exterior. But once you know how to cut through the skin, you’ll be rewarded with the delicious flesh, which is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. So it’s totally worth mastering this skill!
Ready to learn an easy way to cut butternut squash? Watch this video for simple step-by-step instructions from a professional chef.
How to Peel Butternut Squash
To get to the delicious goodness of a squash, you first need to peel off the thick skin. To peel a butternut squash, lay the vegetable on its side on a cutting board. Use a large, heavy knife to cut off the top and bottom. Then cut the squash in half by cutting through the middle where the body narrows. Using a knife with ridges can help penetrate the skin so you can cut through it completely without the knife getting stuck.
Then take one of the halves and start peeling the skin off by sliding the knife gently down the edge behind the skin, moving from top to bottom. Make sure you go deep enough to remove the skin in its entirety, but watch your fingers in the process.
As you peel it, continually rotate the squash until you’ve removed the skin on all sides.
Removing the Seeds of a Butternut Squash
Once you’ve cut the squash in half, you can remove the seeds with a big spoon, applying some pressure as you scoop. Continue to scrape the inside until it is clean, like you would when carving a pumpkin.
Cubing a Butternut Squash
Most people cube butternut squash, although you can cut it in other shapes and sizes if you prefer. To cube the squash, take one of the squash halves and cut it in half again. Then halve it one more time, so there are now four equal pieces. Continue cutting vertical slices, depending on how large or small you want the cubes to be. Then cut the slices at a perpendicular angle to chop the slices into cubes.
Cooking Butternut Squash
There are many ways to cook butternut squash. If you want to eat the vegetable on its own, the easiest way is to place the cubed squash in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl and microwave it for 10 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
Butternut squash also tastes delicious in a variety of dishes, adding a slightly sweet creaminess that’s sure to please. There are many recipes for butternut squash, from soups, sides and pasta dishes to main course vegetarian meals.
Here are a few of our most popular butternut squash recipes:
