Instant Pot Butternut Squash –Embark on a culinary journey to comfort and flavor with Instant Pot Butternut Squash. Today’s recipe: How to Cook a Whole Butternut Squash Instant Pot
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this versatile and nutritious ingredient, cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot, will elevate your meals to a whole new level. Get ready to savor the creamy, sweet, and nutty essence of butternut squash with ease and convenience as we explore its endless culinary possibilities together.
Can You Cook A Whole Butternut Squash In an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook a whole butternut squash in an Instant Pot! It’s a convenient and efficient way to prepare this versatile vegetable.
If you love a great Instant Pot Vegetable Recipe, this will soon be one of your favorites. Some of my other favorite recipes are INSTANT POT COLLARD GREENS, NINJA FOODI OR INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI SQUASH, INSTANT POT GREEN BEANS, and INSTANT POT BRUSSELS SPROUTS.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
You’ll absolutely love cooking a whole butternut squash in the pressure cooker for several fantastic reasons:
- Efficiency: Pressure cooking is incredibly efficient, reducing the cooking time significantly compared to traditional methods. Your butternut squash will be ready in a fraction of the time.
- Nutrient Retention: Pressure cooking helps preserve the natural flavors, colors, and nutrients of the butternut squash, ensuring you get the maximum nutritional benefit.
- Convenience: No need to peel or chop the squash beforehand. Place it whole in the Instant Pot, ready to cook. This makes meal preparation a breeze.
- Versatility: Once cooked, your butternut squash becomes a blank canvas for various dishes. Use it in soups, salads, purees, or as a side dish.
- Texture: Pressure cooking results in a perfectly tender and creamy texture, making it easy to incorporate into various recipes or enjoy independently.
- Natural Sweetness: The pressure cooking process enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, making it incredibly delicious and versatile. A nutty flavor, in this easy side dish.
- Less Waste: Cooking the whole squash minimizes waste since you can use the entire vegetable, including the seeds and skin if desired.
- Time-Saving: Whether preparing a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, pressure-cooked butternut squash saves you valuable time without compromising taste.
- Year-Round Delight: Enjoy this recipe anytime in the winter months, whether you’re craving a comforting winter soup or a fresh summer salad.
- Health Benefits: Butternut squash contains essential vitamins, minerals, and a good source of fiber. Including it in your meals supports a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
In summary, cooking a whole butternut squash in the pressure cooker offers a convenient, time-saving, and nutritious solution that unlocks the full potential of this versatile vegetable. You’ll find countless culinary uses for your perfectly cooked butternut squash, making it a kitchen favorite year-round.
Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Whole Butternut Squash
Preparing Instant Pot Whole Butternut Squash is a simple yet rewarding culinary experience. You’ll need just a few basic ingredients highlighting this beloved winter squash’s natural sweetness and creamy texture to embark on this journey.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Whole Butternut Squash: The star of the show, a whole butternut squash, serves as the heart of this recipe, ready to be transformed into a creamy and flavorful delight.
- Cold Water: A cup of water creates the steam to pressure the squash, ensuring it cooks perfectly while preserving its natural flavors and nutrients.
- Serving: Butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and fresh herbs.
These straightforward ingredients are all you need to create a delicious, perfectly cooked whole butternut squash in your Instant Pot.
How To Cook Whole Instant Pot Butternut Squash
Cooking butternut squash in the Instant Pot is a simple and time-saving process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked butternut squash:
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Start by washing the whole butternut squash thoroughly. You don’t need to peel the outer skin or remove the seeds. If you want to remove the thick skin, use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Depending on the size of the butternut squash, you may need to use a sharp knife to cut the squash to fit the pressure cooker.
- Trivet and Water: Place a wire metal trivet or steamer basket in the instant pot. Add 1 cup of water to the pot. The water will create steam to pressure cook the squash.
- Add the Squash: Place the whole butternut squash on the trivet or rack in a single layer. It should sit comfortably without touching the water.
- Close the Lid: Seal the Instant Pot with the lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
- Pressure Cook: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cook time for 20-25 minutes on high pressure. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your squash. Larger squashes may require a longer cooking time.
- Natural Release: After the cooking cycle, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 4 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents hot liquid from spurting out when you remove the remaining pressure.
- Check for Doneness: Open the Instant Pot and use a fork or knife to check if the butternut squash is tender. It should pierce easily.
- Cool and Slice: After carefully removing the squash from the Instant Pot with tongs or a big spoon, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and peel the skin. Your cooked butternut squash is now ready to use in various recipes.
Cooking whole butternut squash in an Instant Pot is convenient and preserves its natural flavor and nutrients. It can be used in delicious butternut squash soup, stews, purees, roasted dishes, and more. Enjoy your perfectly cooked butternut squash!
Recipe Variations
While cooking a whole butternut squash in the pressure cooker is straightforward and nutritious, there are various ways to elevate its flavor and versatility. Here are some delightful recipe variations to try, especially if you are a squash lover:
- Stuffed Butternut Squash: Once the whole butternut squash is cooked and split in half, scoop out some of the flesh to create a hollow cavity. Fill the cavity with a flavorful stuffing of your choice, such as quinoa and vegetable stuffing, wild rice, and mushroom stuffing, or a combination of grains, nuts, and dried fruits. Bake the stuffed squash halves in the oven until the filling is heated and the top is nicely browned.
- Butternut Squash Soup: After cooking, scoop out the tender butternut squash flesh or cut squash pieces and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add vegetable broth, spices (like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger), and your preferred seasonings. Blend until smooth to create a velvety butternut squash soup.
- Roasted Butternut Squash: After pressure cooking and cutting the squash, cube or slice it into smaller pieces. Toss the pieces in olive oil, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and your favorite seasonings (such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika). Roast them in the oven until they become caramelized and slightly crispy.
- Butternut Squash Puree: Blend the cooked butternut squash until smooth, adding a bit of vegetable broth or almond milk for a creamy texture—season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Serve the puree as a side dish, a creamy pasta sauce, or a baby food option.
- Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos: Cube the cooked squash and sauté it with black beans, onions, and your preferred taco seasoning. Use the mixture as a flavorful taco filling with your favorite toppings and tortillas.
- Butternut Squash Risotto: Blend the cooked butternut squash to create a smooth puree. Stir the puree into a risotto during the final stages of cooking to add creaminess and a delightful orange hue.
- Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta: Sauté the cooked butternut squash cubes with fresh sage leaves and garlic. Toss the mixture with cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil, and finish with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese.
These recipe variations showcase the versatility of pressure-cooked whole butternut squash, allowing you to explore different flavors and dishes that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Pro Tips
Cooking a whole butternut squash in the pressure cooker is a straightforward process, but here are some pro tips to ensure the best results:
- Choose the Right Size Squash: Opt for a butternut squash that fits comfortably inside your pressure cooker without being too snug. It should have some space around it to allow steam to circulate properly.
- Pierce the Skin: Before placing the squash in the pressure cooker, use a fork or knife to pierce the skin in a few places. This prevents the squash from bursting during cooking.
- Use a Trivet: Placing a trivet or steaming rack at the bottom of the pressure cooker is essential. It elevates the squash above the water, preventing it from getting too soggy.
- Add Flavorful Spices: While it’s not necessary, you can enhance the flavor of the squash by adding a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a bay leaf to the water in the pressure cooker. These spices infuse subtle flavor into the squash as it cooks.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary depending on the size and freshness of the squash. After the pressure cooking cycle is complete, use a fork or knife to check if it’s tender. If it needs more time, reseal the Instant Pot and cook for a few additional minutes.
- Cool Before Handling: After pressure cooking, allow the squash to cool for a few minutes before handling it. It will be hot, and this prevents accidental burns.
- Save the Liquid: The water used to steam the squash may have absorbed some of its flavors. Consider saving it as a base for soups or stews, as it’s now infused with the essence of butternut squash.
- Repurpose the Seeds: Don’t discard the seeds! Rinse them, toss them with olive oil and seasoning, and roast them in the oven for a delicious and nutritious snack.
- Use Silicone Mitts: Silicone oven mitts can provide a secure grip and protect your hands when cutting or handling the hot squash.
- Enjoy Various Recipes: Once cooked, use the butternut squash in various recipes, from soups and purees to roasted dishes and desserts. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient.
These pro tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful whole butternut squash in your pressure cooker. Whether you’re making a simple side dish or exploring creative culinary ventures, you’ll be able to enjoy the sweet and creamy goodness of butternut squash easily.
Faq’s
Can I cook a whole butternut squash without peeling it first? Yes, you can cook an entire butternut squash without peeling it in the pressure cooker. The skin becomes soft during cooking, making it easier to peel and remove after cooking.
Do I need to remove the seeds before pressure cooking? No, you don’t need to remove the seeds before pressure cooking. You can scoop them out after cooking when the squash is tender.
Can I add seasoning or spices to the water when cooking the squash? Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or bay leaves to the water in the pressure cooker for extra flavor. These spices will infuse into the squash as it cooks.
How do I know if the butternut squash is done cooking? To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the cooked squash. It should pierce easily and feel tender. If it’s still firm, you can reseal the Instant Pot and cook for a few more minutes.
Can I cook a large butternut squash in the pressure cooker? Yes, you can cook a large butternut squash in the pressure cooker, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through. Larger squashes may require a bit more time.
What can I do with the cooked butternut squash? Once the butternut squash is cooked, you can use it in various recipes. Some popular options include making butternut squash soup, puree, roasted side dishes, adding it to salads, or using it as a base for desserts like pies or muffins.
How should I store leftover cooked butternut squash? Leftover cooked butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using it in recipes.
Can I cook other types of squash in the pressure cooker using the same method? Yes, you can use a similar method to cook other types of squash, like acorn squash or spaghetti squash, in the pressure cooker. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of squash.
Is it safe to pierce the butternut squash before cooking? Yes, it’s safe to pierce the butternut squash before cooking. This helps prevent the squash from bursting during the pressure cooking process.
Can I use a silicone trivet or rack in the pressure cooker? Yes, silicone trivets or stands are safe to use in the pressure cooker, and they work well for elevating the squash above the water during cooking.
More Instant Pot Recipes
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- AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF
- INSTANT POT SALSA CHICKEN
- INSTANT POT HONEY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
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- AIR FRYER CHICKEN CHIMICHANGAS
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Instant Pot Butternut Squash
Description
Ingredients
- 1 whole whole butternut squash
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Start by washing the whole butternut squash thoroughly. You don’t need to peel it or remove the seeds at this point.
- Trivet and Water: Place a trivet or a metal steaming rack at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the pot. The water will create steam to pressure cook the squash.
- Add the Squash: Gently place the whole butternut squash on the trivet or rack. It should sit comfortably without touching the water.
- Close the Lid: Seal the Instant Pot with the lid, making sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
- Pressure Cook: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 4-5 minutes on high pressure. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your squash. Larger squashes may require a longer cooking time.
- Natural Release: After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents hot liquid from spurting out when you release the remaining pressure.
- Check for Doneness: Open the Instant Pot and use a fork or knife to check if the butternut squash is tender. It should pierce easily.
- Cool and Slice: Once it’s done, carefully remove the squash from the Instant Pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and peel the skin. Your cooked butternut squash is now ready to use in various recipes.
Equipment
- Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, or Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker
Nutrition
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