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Collard Greens

Collard Greens 101 – The Basics


Collard Greens 101 – The Basics

About Collard Greens
Collard greens are members of the Brassicaceae family of plants, along with their cousins, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and kohlrabi. Unlike some of their cousins, collards are loose leaf greens and do not form heads, like cabbage. Within the plant family, collards are most closely related to kale. That alone should give a good hint as to their nutritional value!

Collards are considered to be descendants of wild cabbage found in Europe over 2,000 years ago. Today, collards are enjoyed worldwide and are a staple part of many cuisines including that of the southeastern United States, and some parts of East Africa, South America, southern Europe, and south Asia.

Depending on the variety, collards can have a mild to somewhat strong flavor. Although collards may be eaten raw, such as in salads and wraps, the leave can be somewhat tough. If you prefer to enjoy them raw, look for younger, smaller options since they will be more tender. Because they are usually tough, most people cook their collards. Cooking ranges from being lightly steamed or sautéed to being boiled for an extended period of time to make them very tender.

Nutrition and Health Benefits Collard Greens
Collard greens are an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), manganese, Vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. They are also a very good source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and iron. Collards are a good source of Vitamin E, copper, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin B5, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, Vitamin B1 and potassium. Furthermore, one cup of boiled collard greens contains 5 grams of protein.

Collard greens also contain important phytonutrients including caffeic and ferulic acid, flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, and glucosinolates like glucobrassicin and glucoraphanin.

There has not been a lot of research studies conducted specifically on collard greens. However, collards have often been included in research with groups of vegetables in their family (such as cabbage, kale, and other cruciferous vegetables) that have been studied for their health benefits. The following are among the benefits found to be gained by eating collard greens and related cruciferous vegetables.

Cancer Prevention. Studies suggest that people who eat a lot of cruciferous vegetables have a lower risk of developing a variety of types of cancers including upper digestive tract, colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, and kidney cancers, and also possibly pancreatic and esophageal cancers, and melanoma.

Collard greens and other cruciferous vegetables supply powerful antioxidants (Vitamins C and E, and glucosinolates, along with phenols and polyphenols) that are known to support both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the detoxification process, so harmful compounds can be removed from the body.

Collard greens also have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin K is a direct regulator of the inflammatory response. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the omega-3 fatty acid found in collards is a building block for one of the body’s widely-used anti-inflammatory messaging molecules. Furthermore glucobrassicin (in collard greens) has the ability to stop the inflammatory process in its early stages.

Chronic inflammation is known to increase our risk for cancer. So, eating collard greens and other cruciferous vegetables on a regular basis can certainly help to lower our risk for cancer.

Cardiovascular Support. Chronic inflammation directly damages blood vessels and blood components. In addition to protecting us from assorted cancers, the anti-inflammatory agents in collard greens and other cruciferous vegetables also help to protect our blood vessels from damage that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, the fiber in collard greens bind with bile in the intestinal tract, removing it from the system. This forces the body to use some of its existing cholesterol to make more bile. This, in turn, helps to reduce our blood cholesterol levels. Both raw and cooked collard greens have been shown to have this cholesterol-lowering effect. However, a recent study showed that this effect was increased when collards were steamed rather than eaten raw.

Collards are also rich in assorted B-vitamins which have been shown to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Digestive Support.  One cup of collard greens has over 7 grams of fiber. That’s a significant amount of fiber that can benefit just about anyone! Furthermore, the sulforaphane made from the glucoraphanin in collards protects our stomach lining by preventing bacterial overgrowth or stomach wall adhesion of Helicobacter pylori bacterium. It is known that overgrowth of H. pylori causes chronic inflammation and increases the risk of gastric ulcers and cancer.

Bone Health. A low intake of Vitamin K increases the risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fracture. Vitamin K increases the absorption of calcium and may decrease the excretion of calcium. Collard greens are rich in both Vitamin K and calcium, making it a bone-protective vegetable to consume on a regular basis.

Healthy Skin and Hair. Collards are rich in nutrients that support healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A is crucial for the health of skin and all body tissues, including hair. Vitamin C is used in the formation and maintenance of collagen, a substance that provides structure to skin and hair. One cup of boiled collard greens provides almost half of our daily need for Vitamin C. Anemia is a common cause of hair loss. Collard greens are a good source of iron and can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.

Use Caution When on Blood Thinners. If you take blood thinners like Coumadin or Warfarin, you should not suddenly increase your intake of Vitamin K-rich foods. Vitamin K can counteract the medications. Check with your health care provider before making major changes to your diet.

How to Select Collard Greens
Choose collard greens that have firm, fresh, unwilted leaves with a deep green color with no yellowing or browning. Smaller leaves will be more tender and have a milder flavor. They should be found in the refrigerated isle of the produce section in the grocery store.

How to Store Collard Greens
Do not wash your greens before storing them. There are two generally recommended ways to store collard greens. (1) Place your (unwashed) greens in a plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator. (2) Alternatively, you can wrap the greens in damp paper towels and place them in an OPEN plastic bag in the refrigerator. Note that if your greens are too large to fit in a plastic bag, simply cut them in half before storing them. Use your greens within 3 to 5 days.

Since greens contain a lot of water, if you simply place them in the refrigerator without wrapping them, they will wilt and dry out quickly.

How to Prepare Collard Greens
Simply remove your greens from their packaging and wash them in cool water. Chop the leaf portions into ½-inch slices and the stems into ¼-inch slices. This will allow the stems and leaves to cook within about the same time frame. Remove and discard any damaged pieces as you prepare the greens.

Tips for Removing Bitterness from Greens
1. Blanch them first before using them in a recipe. This works best with hardy greens such as collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, and kale. A lot of the bitterness will leach out in the blanching water. Discard the water then proceed with your recipe as usual.

  1. Pair the greens with strongly flavored ingredients. Bacon, sausage, garlic, something spicy or even sweet like roasted squash or dried fruit can counter the bitterness in greens by balancing it with another flavor.
  2. Add an acid. Vinegar or citrus juice (especially lemon juice) is well known for countering bitterness in greens. Drizzle the greens with the vinegar or juice at the end of cooking and lightly stir it in. The flavor of the whole dish will “brighten” and the bitterness will diminish.
  3. Add a bit of salt, or a salty ingredient. Added salt, or an added salty ingredient, will tame bitterness in many foods, including greens and radicchio. Anchovies, sausage, bacon, salted nuts, or even stock of choice will add some salt to the greens and help to reduce bitterness.
  4. Braise the greens. Slow braising helps to soften greens like collards, kale, mustard and turnip greens while removing bitterness.

How to Freeze Collard Greens
Freezing collard greens is not a hard process. Simply wash your greens well. Remove the stems and cut them into ¼-inch slices. Roll the leaves and cut them into ½-inch slices. Bring a pot of water to boil and place the prepared greens and stems in the boiling water. Set the timer immediately for 3 minutes. When the time is up, immediately transfer the greens to a bowl of ice water. Allow them to cool in the cold water for at least 3 minutes. Then drain them well and place your greens in a freezer bag or container. It is helpful to package the amount you would need for one meal in one container. Label them with the date and place them in the freezer. Use them within 12 months.

Quick Ideas and Tips for Using Collard Greens
* Try stuffing collard leaves like you would cabbage leaves (and make collard rolls).

* Make burritos using collard leaves instead of tortillas. Remove the stems and blanch the large leaves briefly to soften them. Pat them dry, stuff, then roll.

* Add steamed and chopped collard greens to the filling for sushi vegetable rolls.

* Enjoy raw young, tender collard greens in salads or in sandwiches or wraps.

* Use cooked collards in place of basil to make a pesto. First wash, then cut the collards up, removing the stems and coarse veins in the leaves. Reserve the stems for another use. Boil the leaf pieces for 10 to 15 minutes until they are tender. Drain them and place them in a bowl of cold water to chill them. Drain the leaves again and place them in a blender with your favorite pesto ingredients (such as garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne), and process until the mixture is smooth and thick. Store it in the refrigerator, but serve it at room temperature.

* If you’re used to boiling collards, try them braised or sautéed with some onion and garlic for something different. Top them with a drizzle of lemon juice and enjoy!

* Add collards to soups and casseroles.

* Try a slaw made with thinly sliced collards, shredded carrots, cabbage, and onion for vegetables. Dress it with a blend of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, parsley, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together and place it in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1 hour for flavors to blend. Enjoy!

* Overcooking collards can make them taste sulfur-like. If that happens, drizzle a little lemon juice or vinegar over them before serving. One or two tablespoons (at most) should do the trick.

* Collard green chips can be made like you would make kale chips. Wash the leaves and remove the stems. Toss the leaves with extra-virgin olive oil. Spread them on a tray and bake at 275F for 15 to 30 minutes, until crisp. Sprinkle with seasoning of choice. Suggestions include one or a combination of salt, cumin, curry powder, chili powder, roasted red pepper flakes, and/or garlic powder.

Herbs and Spices That Go Well with Collard Greens
Allspice, bay leaf, cardamom, chili pepper flakes, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry powder (and curry spices), dill, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, paprika, pepper (black), salt, turmeric

Foods That Go Well with Collard Greens
Proteins, Legumes, Nuts, Seeds: Almonds, almond butter, bacon, beans (in general), beef, black-eyed peas, cashews, chicken, chickpeas, fish (seafood), ham, hazelnuts, lentils, peanuts, peanut butter, pine nuts, pork, sausage, seeds (esp. hemp, sesame), tempeh, tofu

Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chiles, dulse, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, scallions, shallots, squash (winter and summer), sweet potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables (root), zucchini

Fruits: Apples (esp. cider and juice), avocado, citrus, coconut (butter, milk, water), lemon (esp. juice), olives, orange (esp. juice), raisins

Grains and Grain Products: Barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, corn bread, farro, grains (in general), kamut, noodles, pasta, quinoa, rice, wheat berries

Dairy and Non-Dairy: Butter, cheese, coconut milk, cream, ghee, sour cream

Other Foods: Agave nectar, beer, chili pepper sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, mustard (Dijon), oil (esp. olive, sesame), soy sauce, stock (esp. vegetable), tamari, vinegar

Collard greens have been used in the following cuisines and dishes…
African cuisines, collard wraps, corn bread, Egyptian cuisine, Ethiopian cuisine, Indian cuisine, Jamaican cuisine, pasta dishes, smoky-flavored foods, soups, South American cuisines, Southern U.S. cuisine, Spanish cuisine, stews, stuffed collard greens, sushi rolls (vegetarian)

Suggested Food and Flavor Combos Using Collard Greens
Combine collard greens with any of the following combinations…

Apple cider vinegar + black-eye peas
Apple cider vinegar + chili flakes + garlic
Chiles + garlic + lemon + olive oil
Citrus + raisins
Garlic + lemon
Garlic + olive oil + tamari
Garlic + tomatoes
Lemon juice + olive oil + rice
Rice vinegar + sesame oil + sesame seeds + soy sauce
Tomatoes + zucchini

Recipe Links
Southern Style Collard Greens https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/235931/southern-style-collard-greens/

Collards Stuffed with Red Bean and Rice https://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2010/04/collards-stuffed-with-red-beans-and.html

Collard Green Wraps https://www.loveandlemons.com/collard-green-wraps/

How to Make Rich and Smoky Collard Greens, With or Without Meat https://www.seriouseats.com/2017/03/how-to-make-collards-greens-pork-ham-vegan.html

Easy Vegan Dirty Rice and Collard Greens https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-vegan-collard-greens-with-rice-3377827

Vegan Collard Greens https://simple-veganista.com/collard-greens-cannellini-beans/#tasty-recipes-8784

Quick Collard Greens https://cookieandkate.com/quick-collard-greens-recipe/#tasty-recipes-32984

Vegetarian “Southern Style” Collard Greens https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/vegetarian-southern-style-collard-greens-recipe-1938261

Healthy Collard Greens https://skinnyms.com/healthy-collard-greens-5/

Poached Eggs Over Collard Greens and Shiitake Mushrooms http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=108

Pinto Beans with Collard Greens http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=216

5-Minute “Quick Steamed” Collard Greens http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=323

Zesty Mexican Soup http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=30

Kickin’ Collard Greens https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/51803/kickin-collard-greens/

Hoppin’ John Risotto with Collard Pesto https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-hoppin-john-risotto-with-collard-pesto-recipes-from-the-kitchn-182045

Pasta with Collard Greens and Onions https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12465-pasta-with-collard-greens-and-onions

 

Resources
https://www.chowhound.com/post/serve-cooked-collards-359588

https://producemadesimple.ca/goes-well-collard-greens/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277957#diet

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?dbid=138&tname=foodspice#descr

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2952980/

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-freeze-fresh-collard-greens/

https://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/soft-shell-crab-sandwich-with-collard-slaw/

https://www.thekitchn.com/5-ways-to-tame-bitter-greens-214850

Page, Karen. (2014) The Vegetarian Flavor Bible. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. (1993) So Easy to Preserve. 3rd ed. Athens, Georgia: The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.


About Judi

Julia W. Klee (Judi) began her journey enjoying “all things food” in elementary school when she started preparing meals for her family. That love of food blossomed into a quest to learn more and more about health and wellness as related to nutrition. She went on to earn a BS Degree in Food and Nutrition, then an MS Degree in Nutrition. She has taught nutrition and related courses at the college level to pre-nursing and exercise science students. Her hunger to learn didn’t stop upon graduation from college. She continues to research on a regular basis about nutrition as it relates to health. Her hope is to help as many people as possible to enjoy foods that promote health and wellness.

Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash 101 – The Basics

 

About Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a winter squash with orange-flesh and a sweet flavor. It’s commonly treated as a vegetable, but technically, it’s a fruit since it contains seeds. Butternut squash is very versatile with many culinary uses from both sweet to savory dishes. It is a popular winter squash featuring a large bell-shaped bottom section and a slimmer, tapering neck. It’s often recognized by its tannish colored skin.

Butternut squash, like other squash varieties belongs to the Cucurbitaceae plant family. This family contains a lot of foods many people enjoy regularly, such as watermelons and other melons, and even cucumbers.

Winter squashes and related plants appear to be native to Central and South America. Not surprisingly, such foods have been an important part of the diet of the indigenous people for thousands of years. Since they are rich in nutrients and they store well in cooler temperatures, winter squashes were nutrient-rich foods that helped to nourish ancient people through the colder months when such foods were not in season.

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is an excellent source of Vitamin A from its carotenoid content. It also provides plenty of Vitamins C, B6, B2, B3, and K, along with fiber, manganese, copper, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, and magnesium. Enjoy the seeds for a good supply of Vitamin E. One cup of cooked, mashed butternut squash has a mere 82 calories.

The bright orange color of butternut squash is a clear indication that it is packed with carotenoids, Vitamin A precursors. This makes them powerful antioxidant foods, protecting eye, skin and cardiovascular health, as well as warding off cancer.

Despite the fact that some people consider winter squash to be high-carbohydrate foods, winter squash is considered to be low on the glycemic index, with a rating of 55. Winter squash has been found to steady the release of sugars in the digestive tract, lowering the glycemic response to meals.

How to Select a Butternut Squash
Choose a butternut squash that is free of blemishes or decay, and feels firm and heavy for its size.

How to Store Butternut Squash
Butternut squash will keep well in a cool, dry, dark place. The ideal storage temperature is 50 to 68°F. Freshly picked squash have been stored in these conditions for up to 6 months. Most should store well for 1 to 3 months.

If mold appears on your squash, the molded area should be cut away and the remaining parts of the squash that are still good should be used immediately. Sometimes, commercial growers wax the squashes to prolong their shelf life and deter mold. If yours was not waxed and you want to extend the shelf life, you could oil the squash yourself. Wash the squash well to remove any dirt. Dry it well…make sure it is completely dry before proceeding or moisture left on it may invite decay. Place a small amount of food-grade oil of your choice on a paper towel or cloth, and wipe the entire surface of the squash, spreading a thin layer of oil all over. Be sure you get oil in all cracks and crevices of the squash. Buff off any excess oil. The surface should be shiny, but not oily to the touch. Store it in a cool, dry, dark place.

Once your squash has been cut, it should be tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than a week. Cooked butternut squash should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and used within 3 to 5 days.

Cooked butternut squash may be frozen in an airtight container. It will keep well for 10 to 12 months. Beyond that, the quality may decline, but it will still be safe to eat.

How to Prepare a Butternut Squash
First remove any label that was placed on your squash at the store. Then rinse the squash with water to clean it off. Butternut squash does not need to be peeled before being cooked, but you can peel it, if desired or if a recipe calls for peeling it first. The peel is tough, but they can be peeled with a vegetable peeler or a knife.

When cutting butternut squash, it’s easiest to cut it in half, separating the neck from the bulb end. Then the seeds need to be removed from the bulb end. They can be removed by scooping them out with a spoon, or by first cutting the bulb in half from top to bottom, then scraping the seeds out with a spoon. The stem end can then be cut off the top of the neck end. The neck end can then be stood upright to remove the peel, then the flesh can be cubed. Or the neck end can be cut in half lengthwise for roasting or cooking in another method.

Roasted Butternut Squash. Butternut squash can be roasted different ways. The squash may be cut into four large pieces (cutting the bulb end from the stem end, then cutting both the bulb and stem ends in half lengthwise) and removing the seeds as described above. Place all pieces, peel side up, on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roasting it at 375°F or 400°F until a sharp knife can easily be inserted through the pieces. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the squash to cool enough to be handled. Scrape the flesh from the peel with a spoon and use accordingly in your recipe.

This method can be simplified by placing your entire uncut, washed squash on a baking sheet and roasting it until a knife can easily pierce through its thickest part. Remove it from the oven, allow it to cool enough to be handled, then cut it, removing seeds, stem end, and scraping off the flesh to be used as needed.

Butternut cubes can also be roasted by first cutting the squash in half, separating the bulb end from the neck. Then trim off the stem end, stand the squash piece upright and remove the peel with a knife or vegetable peeler. Then slice the flesh into cubes. Most recipes for roasted butternut squash cubes call for placing the cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and coating the cubes with oil, then sprinkling them with salt and pepper to taste. Roast at 400°F or 425°F about 20 to 30 minutes, until fork-tender.

Steamed Butternut Squash. Place medium size chunks of peeled and seeded butternut squash in a steamer basket. Add water to the pot, but not so much that the squash pieces sit in water. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring the water to boil. Steam for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the squash pieces are fork-tender. Remove the squash pieces to a bowl and proceed with desired recipe.

Sautéed Butternut Squash. Peeled, seeded butternut squash cubes may be sautéed in oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. First, warm the fat in the skillet, add the squash cubes, then stir frequently and sauté until lightly browned and caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes.

How to Freeze Butternut Squash
Cooked, pureed and frozen butternut squash is ready to be used in pies, soups, baked goods or in any recipe calling for pureed pumpkin or other winter squash. Simply wash the squash, cut it as desired, and cook it in whatever way you prefer…roasted with or without oil, steamed, or boiled. Scrape off the pulp from the peel, and puree the pulp in a food processor. Pureeing the pulp is not mandatory, but makes it much easier to work with when it’s time to use it. Place your pureed pulp in a freezer bag or container (leave about one inch of headspace). Label it with the date and store it in the freezer. Frozen pureed butternut squash will keep for 10 to 12 months. It is safe to use beyond that, but the quality may deteriorate.

Quick Ideas and Tips for Using Butternut Squash
* To make butternut squash easier to peel before cooking it, microwave it for 2 or 3 minutes first.

* The peel of butternut squash is edible, but tough. If you want to eat the peel, slow roast the squash and the peel will get softer as it roasts.

* For something different, try butternut squash fries instead of potato fries.

* Top salads with cubes of roasted butternut squash.

* Add chunks of butternut squash to stews.

* Stuff a roasted butternut squash half with a mixture of cooked grains and vegetables for a delicious and filling dish.

* Add roasted butternut squash to breakfast for something different.

* Add thin slices of raw butternut squash to salads for added flavor and texture.

* Enjoy roasted butternut squash in place of potatoes, pumpkin, or sweet potato.

* Mash cooked butternut squash with a little milk of choice and cinnamon and serve it instead of mashed potatoes.

* Use pureed butternut squash in place of pumpkin when making pies and tarts.

* Add cooked butternut squash to pasta dishes, or puree it and make an interesting pasta sauce.

* Combine pureed butternut squash with coconut milk for a creamy squash soup.

* Butternut squash seeds are edible! They can be saved and roasted as you would pumpkin seeds. Once scooped out, separate the seeds from the stringy pulp, and rinse them well. Coat the seeds with a little oil, and season them as desired. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet and roast them at 225°F for about 15 minutes until the seeds start to pop. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before serving.

* Do you want to enjoy pureed squash, but are not sure how to flavor it? Try topping pureed butternut squash with cinnamon and maple syrup.

* For an interesting side dish, steam cubes of butternut squash. Then toss with a little olive oil, soy sauce, and ginger. Sprinkle with toasted squash seeds for a little added crunch.

Herbs/Spices That Go Well with Butternut Squash
Allspice, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, cayenne, chili pepper flakes, chives, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry powder, garlic, ginger, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, paprika (smoked)

Foods That Go Well with Butternut Squash
Proteins, Legumes, Nuts, Seeds: Beans (i.e. adzuki, lima, pinto, white), chicken, chickpeas, eggs, lamb, nuts (esp. almonds, pecans, walnuts), pork, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, tahini, tofu

Vegetables: Artichokes (Jerusalem), arugula, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, celery root, chiles, fennel, greens, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, shallots, spinach, tomatoes

Fruits: Apples, berries, coconut, cranberries, dates, lemon, lime, orange, pears, pomegranate seeds, raisins

Grains and Grain Products: Bulgur (wheat), corn, couscous, farro, millet, quinoa, rice

Dairy and Non-Dairy: Butter, browned butter, cheese (esp. cheddar, Parmesan, ricotta), coconut milk, cream, milk (dairy and non-dairy), yogurt

Other Foods: Miso, oil, sugar (esp. brown), stock (mushroom), tamari, vinegar (esp. balsamic), wine (esp. dry white)

Butternut squash has been used in the following cuisines and dishes…
Baked goods (i.e. muffins), casseroles, gratins, pasta (i.e. gnocchi, lasagna, ravioli), pizza, purees, risottos, soups and bisques, stews, succotash, tarts

Suggested Flavor and Food Combos Using Butternut Squash
Add butternut squash to any of the following combinations…

Allspice + cinnamon + cloves + maple syrup + vanilla
Apples + cinnamon + ginger + maple syrup + walnuts
Apples + cheese + honey
Apples + nuts
Balsamic vinegar + mushrooms + pasta
Browned butter + pine nuts + sage + pasta
Fruit (cranberries, dates) + nuts (pecans, pistachios)
Ginger + tamari + tofu
Orange + sage
Quinoa + walnuts
Rosemary + tomatoes + white beans
Sage + walnuts

Recipe Links
Roasted Butternut Squash (No Oil) (Judi in the Kitchen video) https://youtu.be/rVCS19OnNXY

Roasted Butternut Squash with Apples (Judi in the Kitchen video) https://youtu.be/XtuEkykDp08

Roasted Butternut Squash https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-butternut-squash-recipe-1921606

Sautéed Butternut Squash http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/261206/sauteed-butternut-squash/

Side Dish Recipe for Roast Chicken—Pan-Seared Butternut Squash with Balsamic and Parmigiano Shards   https://www.thekitchn.com/a-side-dish-recipe-for-roast-chicken-balsamic-butternut-saut-with-parmigiano-shards-pick-a-side-from-tara-mataraza-desmond-195791

Sautéed Butternut Squash with Garlic, Ginger, and Spices https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/vegetable/sauteed-butternut-squash-with-garlic-ginger.html

Sautéed Butternut Squash https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/sidedishes/sauteed-butternut-squash/

Caramelized Browned Butter Butternut Squash https://www.onelovelylife.com/caramelized-browned-butter-butternut-squash/

26 Delicious Butternut Squash Recipes to Make This Fall https://www.delish.com/cooking/g3003/butternut-squash/

33 Butternut Squash Recipes We Love https://www.foodandwine.com/vegetables/squash-gourds/butternut-squash/butternut-squash

55 Best Butternut Squash Recipes Everyone in Your Family will Enjoy https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2701/butternut-squash-recipes/

10 Things to do With Butternut Squash https://www.thekitchn.com/10-things-to-do-with-butternut-squash-128579

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner on a Sheet Pan https://www.liveeatlearn.com/vegetarian-thanksgiving-dinner-on-a-sheet-pan/

Crock Pot Steel Cut Oats with Butternut Squash https://www.liveeatlearn.com/crockpot-steel-cut-oatmeal-with-butternut-squash/

Roasted Butternut Chickpea Hummus Wraps https://www.liveeatlearn.com/roasted-butternut-chickpea-hummus-wraps/

Golden Squash Soup http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=33

Steamed Butternut Squash with Almond Sauce http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=112

Steamed Butternut Squash with Red Chili Sauce http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=179

Resources
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/videos/techniques/how-prepare-butternut-squash

https://www.healthline.com/health/carotenoids#benefits

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257702/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/butternut-squash

https://www.liveeatlearn.com/butternut-squash/

https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18397

https://www.afamilyfeast.com/butternut-squash-puree/

https://www.thespruceeats.com/preserving-pumpkin-butternut-and-winter-squashes-1327938

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/54873/roasted-winter-squash-seeds/

Page, Karen. (2014) The Vegetarian Flavor Bible. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

 

About Judi

Julia W. Klee (Judi) began her journey enjoying “all things food” in elementary school when she started preparing meals for her family. That love of food blossomed into a quest to learn more and more about health and wellness as related to nutrition. She went on to earn a BS Degree in Food and Nutrition, then an MS Degree in Nutrition. She has taught nutrition and related courses at the college level to pre-nursing and exercise science students. Her hunger to learn didn’t stop upon graduation from college. She continues to research on a regular basis about nutrition as it relates to health. Her hope is to help as many people as possible to enjoy foods that promote health and wellness.