How do you soften butternut squash for cutting?

Why is it important to soften butternut squash before cutting?

Butternut squash has a very hard outer rind that can be difficult to cut through, especially with a regular kitchen knife. Trying to cut through uncooked, raw butternut squash can be dangerous, as the hard rind and flesh can cause the knife to slip unexpectedly. This can lead to cutting yourself.

It’s much safer and easier to cut butternut squash after it has been softened. Cooking softens the fibrous flesh and makes it easier to peel and cube the squash. There are a few different easy methods for softening butternut squash before preparation.

Methods for softening butternut squash

Roasting

One of the simplest ways to soften butternut squash is by roasting it whole in the oven. Here is a quick step-by-step for roasting butternut squash:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Cut off the stem end of the squash and slice in half lengthwise.
• Scoop out seeds and strings.
• Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 45-60 minutes, until you can easily pierce the skin with a fork.
• Let cool slightly before handling.

Once roasted, the skin peels off easily with a vegetable peeler. The flesh will be soft and ready for cutting and cubing as needed.

Microwaving

Microwaving is a fast way to soften butternut squash. Follow these steps:

• Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
• Place halves cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish. Add 1/4 cup water.
• Microwave for 15 minutes, then check softness. Continue microwaving in 3-5 minute intervals until easily pierced with a fork.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before handling.

The steam created by the added water helps softens the fibrous flesh quickly.

Boiling

You can also soften butternut squash by boiling it:

• Peel squash with a vegetable peeler, then cut into 1-2 inch chunks.
• Place chunks in a pot and cover with water by 1-2 inches.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
• Drain and let cool slightly before handling.

Boiling helps soften the hard flesh throughout the chunks for easier cutting.

Steaming

Steaming is a healthy cooking method that tenderizes butternut squash:

• Peel squash, then cut into 1-2 inch chunks.
• Place steamer basket in a pot with 1-2 inches of water at the bottom. Make sure water doesn’t touch bottom of basket.
• Add squash chunks to basket.
• Cover and bring water to a boil. Steam chunks for 10-15 minutes until fork tender.

The hot steam penetrates the chunks to soften them for cutting.

Tips for cutting softened butternut squash

Once your butternut squash is softened through roasting, boiling, microwaving or steaming, here are some tips for cutting it safely:

• Let squash cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.
• Use a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board.
• Cut squash width-wise first to create flat sides before slicing into cubes or wedges.
• Remove skin with a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
• Cut the neck off first if cubed butternut squash is desired.
• Slice squash neck into planks, then cut planks into cubes.
• Scoop out seeds and cut squash base into wedges or cubes.

Be sure to use caution when handling the hot squash immediately after cooking. Let it cool to an easily managed temperature before cutting.

What tools work best?

These tools make cutting softened squash safer and easier:

• Sharp chef’s knife: A quality chef’s knife slices through tender flesh easily.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable, secure surface for cutting.
• Vegetable peeler: Removes skin smoothly.
• Large metal spoon: For scooping out seeds and pulp.
• Kitchen shears: Useful for trimming ends or cutting squash in half.
• Fork: Helps test doneness while cooking.

Avoid using dull, serrated knives or small paring knives to cut winter squash. The sharper and larger your knife, the easier it will be to cut through the tender flesh.

Storing and freezing softened squash

Once your butternut squash is cooked and cut, you can store it:

• Fridge: In an airtight container for 3-5 days.
• Freezer: In an airtight freezer bag for 4-6 months.

To freeze:

1. Cut squash into preferred shapes and sizes.
2. Lay pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
4. Transfer frozen pieces to freezer bags.

Frozen butternut squash cubes or slices can be added directly to soups, stews and casseroles for easy meal prep.

Recipes and uses for softened butternut squash

Pre-softened butternut squash is versatile in many fall recipes:

• Soup – Purée roasted or steamed chunks into creamy soup.
• Ravioli filling – Mix cubed squash into a filling along with cheese, herbs and spices.
• Lasagna – Layer slices or cubes between noodles and sauce.
• Salad – Toss roasted cubes into spinach salad with nuts and dressing.
• Risotto – Add cubes to Arborio rice for a seasonal twist.
• Pasta sauce – Purée roasted squash and mix with pasta water for a quick sauce.
• Roasted veggies – Toss pre-roasted cubes with other veggies like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
• Curry – Simmer cubed squash in coconut curry sauce with chickpeas.

Pre-softening the hard winter squash opens up many possibilities for making tasty fall and winter meals. The rich, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with warm spices, cheese, beans, nuts, rice, pasta and more.

Conclusion

Butternut squash has tough flesh and skin that requires softening before it can be easily and safely peeled, seeded and cut. The best methods for softening involve exposing the squash to moist heat through roasting, microwaving, boiling or steaming. Once softened, use proper knives and tools to cube, slice or chop the flesh for recipes and storage. Pre-softened butternut squash can be frozen or stored in the fridge for a handy ingredient to add sweetness and nutrition to a variety of dishes all season long.