Imagine a side dish so creamy, so luxurious, that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Butternut Squash Puree with Browned Butter and Thyme is not just a recipe - it's a flavor revelation that will elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With its velvety texture and nutty, herbaceous notes, this dish is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, halved and seeded
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the butternut squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 35-45 minutes until the squash is completely tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the browned butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the browned butter from heat and stir in the fresh thyme leaves. Set aside.
- Once the squash is roasted, remove from the oven and let cool slightly until it's comfortable to handle.
- Scoop out the squash flesh from the skin using a large spoon, transferring it to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse or blend the squash until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a small amount of water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season the puree with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the puree to a serving dish, drizzle with the thyme-infused browned butter, and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or accompaniment.
Tips
- Choose a ripe butternut squash: Look for a squash with a deep, uniform color and no soft spots or blemishes.
- Roasting technique: Place the squash cut-side down to help it caramelize and develop deeper flavors.
- Browning butter perfectly: Watch the butter carefully when browning - it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Remove from heat as soon as it turns a rich amber color and smells nutty.
- Consistency matters: If your puree is too thick, add a little water or warm milk to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Make ahead friendly: This puree can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday cooking.
- Garnish game: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or a few extra thyme leaves on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
