How to: Easily Cut & Peel a Butternut Squash

The butternut squash is a winter squash that is very versatile in the ways it can be cooked!  It makes a great sweet side dish, is delicious in stews (watch for an upcoming recipe!), or used as the main ingredient in butternut squash soup!  Although it is very healthy and delicious, it can be intimidating to know how to prepare it.  I found a simple way to cut and peel the squash on Cooking Light's website, and I wanted to pass the good information along!

 

 

 

If anyone is unfamiliar, this is what a butternut squash looks like.  My grocery store carries the winter squash in the produce section, near the potatoes and onions.  They are priced per pound, so I typically look for a medium-sized one.

 To begin, cut a small section from the top (the stem) and the bottom of the squash, using a sharp citchen knife, to create a flat surface on each end.

Next, using a vegetable peeler, start peeling away the skin until you can only see the bright orange part of the squash.

Once you have removed all of the outer skin, cut the butternut squash in half, lengthwise.  Use a spoon to remove all of the seeds and strings on the inside.  Now the squash is ready to cut and prepare as necessary for the recipe you are using. 

Leave us a comment and tell us your favorite way to eat butternut squash!