Are you wondering what to do with that leftover cooked butternut squash sitting in your fridge? Don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of delicious and versatile ways to use up your leftover squash and create new, tasty dishes.
One idea is to try making a creamy butternut squash soup. Simply heat up the leftover squash with some vegetable or chicken broth, add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for extra depth of flavor, and blend it all together until smooth. The result is a comforting and satisfying soup that is perfect for those chilly autumn evenings.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, why not make some butternut squash risotto? Sauté some onions and garlic in a pan, then add the leftover squash and Arborio rice. Slowly add vegetable or chicken broth, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked and the mixture is creamy. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and you have a delicious and indulgent meal.
Alternatively, you could use the leftover cooked butternut squash as a filling for homemade ravioli or as a topping for pizza. Mix the squash with ricotta cheese, garlic, and herbs, then stuff the mixture into fresh pasta sheets or spread it over a pizza base. Both options offer a unique twist on traditional recipes and are sure to impress your family and friends.
So, don’t let that leftover cooked butternut squash go to waste! Get creative in the kitchen and transform it into new and exciting dishes. From creamy soups to indulgent risottos, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with flavors and textures, and enjoy the tasty results!
Great Recipes for Leftover Cooked Butternut Squash
Leftover cooked butternut squash can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some great recipes to make the most of your leftover squash:
1. Butternut Squash Soup: Turn your leftover cooked butternut squash into a creamy and flavorful soup. Simply blend the squash with some vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Garnish with some fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream, and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Combine leftover cooked butternut squash with some mixed greens, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. This salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
3. Butternut Squash Risotto: Add some depth to your classic risotto recipe by incorporating leftover cooked butternut squash. After sautéing the onions and garlic, stir in the squash and continue with the usual risotto preparation. The result is a creamy and comforting dish that is bursting with flavor.
4. Butternut Squash Pasta: Toss your leftover cooked butternut squash with some cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and sautéed onions. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness. This pasta dish is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
5. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Tart: Transform your leftover cooked butternut squash into an elegant tart. Roll out some puff pastry and spread a layer of goat cheese on top. Arrange the squash slices on the pastry and bake until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with some fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
6. Butternut Squash Curry: Give your curry a seasonal twist by using leftover cooked butternut squash. Sauté some onions, garlic, ginger, and your preferred curry spices. Add the squash and coconut milk, and let simmer until everything is well combined and the flavors have melded together. Serve with steamed rice for a hearty and comforting meal.
Remember, when using leftover cooked butternut squash, feel free to get creative and experiment with different recipes. Don’t let this versatile ingredient go to waste!
Savory Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover cooked butternut squash
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the leftover butternut squash, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot and heat until warmed through.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Serve the savory butternut squash soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of dried herbs or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Butternut Squash Risotto
If you have leftover cooked butternut squash, why not use it to make a delicious butternut squash risotto? This creamy and flavorful dish is a perfect way to use up any extra squash you have.
Here’s how to make it:
- Start by sautéing some diced onion and minced garlic in a large pan with olive oil.
- Add in the leftover cooked butternut squash and stir until it’s heated through.
- Next, add in Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains in the oil.
- Begin adding vegetable broth or chicken broth, about a cup at a time, stirring until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- Continue this process, adding broth and stirring, until the rice is cooked to your desired consistency. It should be firm, yet tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the risotto hot, topped with some fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This butternut squash risotto is a comforting and filling dish that makes for a satisfying meal on its own. It’s also a great side dish to pair with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Looking for a delicious and easy way to use up leftover cooked butternut squash? Try making a roasted butternut squash salad! This vibrant and healthy salad is packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying lunch or side dish.
To make the salad, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the leftover cooked butternut squash into cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Roast the squash in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes golden and caramelized.
In the meantime, prepare the other ingredients for your salad. Wash and dry a bunch of fresh spinach or mixed greens and place them in a large bowl. Thinly slice a red onion and add it to the bowl. Crumble some feta cheese over the top for a creamy and tangy addition. Lastly, toast a handful of nuts such as walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet until they become fragrant, then roughly chop them and set aside.
Once the butternut squash is roasted and slightly cooled, add it to the salad bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together to combine. For the salad dressing, whisk together some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey until well emulsified. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give it another toss to evenly coat everything.
Enjoy the roasted butternut squash salad as a light lunch or serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. The sweet and savory flavors of the squash, combined with the tangy feta cheese and crunchy nuts, make for a delightful combination that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas
If you have leftover cooked butternut squash, one delicious way to use it up is by making butternut squash and black bean enchiladas. This hearty and satisfying dish is sure to become a family favorite.
To make the enchiladas, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add a diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add a minced garlic clove and cook for another minute.
Add the leftover cooked butternut squash to the skillet, along with a can of black beans (rinsed and drained), a cup of corn kernels, a cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack), a teaspoon of ground cumin, and a teaspoon of chili powder. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Warm up a stack of corn tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until pliable. Place a spoonful of the butternut squash and black bean mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortillas in a greased baking dish, seam side down.
Pour a can of enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to coat them evenly. Top with additional shredded cheese, if desired. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the enchiladas are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado, if desired.
These butternut squash and black bean enchiladas are a tasty and nutritious way to use up leftover cooked butternut squash. The combination of creamy squash, hearty black beans, and flavorful spices is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!
Q&A
What are some creative ways to use leftover cooked butternut squash?
One creative way to use leftover cooked butternut squash is to make butternut squash risotto. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add arborio rice and white wine, and slowly add vegetable broth and mashed butternut squash until the rice is cooked. Another option is to make butternut squash soup by blending the leftover squash with vegetable broth, spices, and cream. You can also add cooked butternut squash to salads, make butternut squash tacos, or stuff it into pasta shells.
Do you have any recipe suggestions to use up leftover cooked butternut squash?
Yes, here are a few recipe suggestions to use up leftover cooked butternut squash: Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta, Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas, Butternut Squash and Spinach Quesadillas, Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Tart, and Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad.
Can I freeze leftover cooked butternut squash?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked butternut squash. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’s best to freeze it in small portions, so you can easily thaw and use only what you need. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or thaw it in the microwave before using it in a recipe.
How long can I keep leftover cooked butternut squash in the fridge?
Leftover cooked butternut squash can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. If you’re unsure about its quality, it’s always best to check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or appearance, and discard it if needed.
Can I use leftover cooked butternut squash in baking?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked butternut squash in baking. It can be a great addition to muffins, bread, and cakes. Simply puree the cooked squash and substitute it for oil or butter in your favorite baking recipes. It adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to baked goods.
What are some ideas for using leftover cooked butternut squash?
There are many delicious ways to use leftover cooked butternut squash. You can make butternut squash soup, roast it with other vegetables, toss it with pasta, puree it and use it as a spread, or add it to a salad.