Butternut Squash Puree with Coconut

 Pumpkin is the most popular winter squash in India. It is sold in cut pieces. This bright orange squash is more often boiled than baked. In the West, we can ash-or oven-bake whole smaller varieties, such as butternut, acorn, Hubbard or buttercup. Flavor and nutrition are locked within the tough, thick skin. A delicate blend of cardamom, fennel and lime juice beautifully offsets the sweet puree. Garnish with toasted coconut and/or hazelnuts.

 

Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): a few minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

 

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash freshly baked or steamed –  about 1 pound/455 g

• Unsalted butter – 4 table spoons (60 ml) 

• Fennel seeds, crushed – 2 teaspoon (10 ml) 

• Cardamom seeds, crushed – ½ teaspoon (2 ml) 

• Hot green chilies, seeded and minced – 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) 

• Jaggery, maple sugar or syrup – 2-3 table spoons (30-45 ml) 

• Cream (optional) – 3 table spoons (45 ml) 

• Salt – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) 

• Shredded coconut and/or chopped hazelnuts, toasted in a 300 F (150 C) oven until golden – ¼ cup (25 g) 

• Lime juice – 2 table spoons (30 ml) 
 

Preparation

1. Cut open and peel the squash. If it ahs been baked whole, scoop out the seeds and fibers. Place the pulp in a bowl and puree with a potato masher or in a food processor.

2. Heat 3 table spoons (45 ml) of the butter in a 12-inch (30 cm) nonstick frying pan over moderate heat. When it is hot and frothing, add the fennel seeds, cardamom seeds and green chilies. Within seconds add the squash puree, sweetener, cream, if desired, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Before serving, garnish with coconut or hazelnuts, the remaining butter and sprinkle with lime juice.
 

Serves
4
 

By Yamuna Devi Dasi