Mashed Butternut Squash

This is a great fall and winter side dish and as easy to make a mashed potatoes. It will become a family favorite because of the slight sweetness of the maple syrup combined with the naturally sweet squash.

Mashed Butternut Squash

This recipe requires a potato masher or an electric mixer. I used a hand-held mixer most of the time for this recipe. I often serve it along side pork dishes, as it pairs very well. 

Serving here alongside a pork chop. 

Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash
1/4 cup maple syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
1-2 tablespoons half-and-half, cream or milk

Instructions

Cut the stems at both ends from the butternut squash. Using a potato peeler or paring knife, cut off the outer skin by running the peeler from top to bottom in stripes until all of the skin is removed. Using a large knife, cut the peeled squash in half horizontally just about the more bulbous lower section. Cut each section in half lengthwise and from the lower bulbous section, scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut the squash into 1- to 2-inch cubes.

Place the cut squash in a pot and fill with enough water to cover the squash by about an inch. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce the heat to medium and cook at a low boil until the squash is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes or until you can pierce easily with a fork. 

Drain the squash and transfer back to the cooking pot. Place it on the warm burner, or set the burner to very low and toss the squash or use a spoon to stir it around until the excess moisture is evaporated, about 3 minutes. 

Remove the pot from the burner to a trivet and using a potato masher or the beaters of your hand-held mixer break up the soft squash. Add the syrup, salt, pepper and half-and-half. Using the electric mixer, whip the squash until it is the consistency of mashed potatoes. Taste and correct seasonings as desire. If excess moisture is apparent in the pot, return it to the cooktop on low heat and using a whisk, stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the extra moisture is evaporated. Serve.