Thyme Mashed Butternut Squash is a simple yet elegant side dish that brings a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal. This dish begins with a medium-sized butternut squash, chosen for its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture. The squash is peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes, ensuring even cooking before mashing. Steaming the squash, rather than roasting or boiling, is a key step in this recipe. It allows the squash to retain most of its natural flavors and nutrients, resulting in a purer, more intense butternut taste.
Once steamed to perfection, the squash is transformed into a smooth, velvety mash. This is done using a potato masher or fork, although a blender can be used for an even silkier texture. The mashing process is crucial as it defines the final texture of the dish. A chunkier mash will have more bite and a rustic feel, while a smoother mash will be more refined and creamy.
The addition of fresh thyme is what sets this dish apart. Thyme, with its subtle, earthy, and slightly minty flavor, complements the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. The herb is finely chopped and stirred into the warm mash, releasing its aromatic oils. The quantity of thyme can be adjusted according to taste, but it’s important to use fresh thyme for its brighter flavor compared to the dried version.
Butter is another essential component of this dish. It’s added while the mash is still warm, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the squash. The butter not only enriches the dish, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel, but also helps to carry the flavor of the thyme throughout the mash. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to season the dish. They are added gradually, tasted, and adjusted to ensure they don’t overpower the delicate flavors of the squash and thyme.
For those who prefer a creamier texture, heavy cream is stirred in. This step can be adjusted to suit dietary preferences or desired consistency. The creaminess of the milk or cream balances the earthiness of the thyme and enhances the dish’s overall smoothness.
The unique twist in this recipe is the inclusion of nutmeg. Just a pinch of nutmeg adds depth and a subtle warmth to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the squash and the earthiness of the thyme. It’s a spice that should be used judiciously, as its aim is to accentuate rather than overpower the other flavors.
Thyme Mashed Butternut Squash is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It is particularly complementary to dishes with bold flavors, such as Lemongrass Roasted Chicken. The citrusy, aromatic flavors of the chicken, combined with the sweet caramelization of the onions, create a complex flavor profile. The thyme mashed butternut squash serves as a perfect counterpoint, with its subtle earthiness and creamy texture. This pairing brings together a harmony of flavors, with the squash providing a comforting base that allows the vibrant notes of the lemongrass and lemon to shine.
Thyme Mashed Butternut Squash is a dish that celebrates the simplicity of its ingredients. The natural sweetness of the squash, paired with the fragrant thyme, rich butter, and cream addition, creates a side dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. When served alongside Lemongrass Roasted Chicken, it completes a meal that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Thyme Mashed Butternut Squash
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes40
minutesThyme Mashed Butternut Squash is a creamy, comforting side dish, combining the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy flavor of thyme, enriched with butter, and subtly enhanced with a warming hint of nutmeg.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons thyme leaves, chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash:
Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into roughly equal-sized cubes. - Steam the Squash:
Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the squash cubes in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Ensure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket. Cover and steam for 15-20 minutes or until the squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. - Mash the Squash:
Transfer the steamed squash to a large bowl. Mash the squash with a potato masher or fork to your desired consistency. - Season the Mash:
While the squash is still warm, add the butter and stir until it melts completely. Mix in the chopped fresh thyme, salt, ground black pepper, and nutmeg. - Add Cream:
Gradually stir in the heavy cream. Adjust the amount to achieve your preferred consistency. - Serve:
Serve the Thyme Mashed Butternut Squash warm as a delightful side dish. It pairs well with Lemongrass Roasted Chicken.