Butternut Squash - The Best

One of the many things that I love about fall....are the vegetables that are in season.  Aside from spaghetti squash, which you all know that I love, there is butternut squash.  If you aren't making this at least once a week....you need to start.  Butternut squash is that big ugly squash that most of you walk on by because you don't know what it is or you don't know what to do with it :)

Winter squash is a super food!  It is one of the richest sources of plant based anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega 3s and beta-carotene - which is important for a strong immune system. The problem, is that most people don't know how to cook it.  If you cook and season squash right, there is nothing better. It is also low in calorie so you can go back for thirds on this stuff and you are still on the skinny plan.

The good news is that you don't have to buy it whole like you see it above. Almost all grocery stores have butternut squash cut up and ready to go in the produce section.  It comes in a bag or in a big plastic container.  Which means...no prep time.  All the work is done for you. You can cook it as a side, put it in stews or make an awesome power packed lunch soup.

Ignore the fuzzy picture here and try this.  Take a little olive oil in a pan.  Chop up a vidalia onion and simmer for a couple of minutes.  Then add the whole bag or container of butternut squash.  Add a cup or so of chicken broth until the broth starts to come up the sides. (Not overtop of the squash, just enough to allow the squash to softly boil). If the pan begins to get dry as you cook, add some more chicken broth. Add some crushed sea salt.  Stir the squash up as it's cooking.  I like to take a spoon and kind of mash it up a bit so you have some soft and chunky pieces.  You will know its done when all the pieces are tender and most of the broth is gone.

You can also make soup from this if you want.  Just add the mixture above to your blender and blend it up. If it's too thick add more chicken broth.  Hit puree and you are ready to go.  This couldn't be any easier.

2tbsp Olive oil
1 large Vidalia onion
Chicken stock
Sea Salt
Butternut squash

Try it.  I promise you will love it.

Happy Healthy  Eating!

Paula