How To Peel Butternut Squash
Dalstrong Santoku Knife 7" Shadow Black Series NSF Certified
Quick Overview: How To Peel Butternut Squash
- Wash the butternut squash and cut off both ends.
- Cut it lengthwise and scoop the seeds with a spoon.
- Put the other half on a board and peel the skin in downward strokes.
- Remove all the skin from the flesh and repeat the procedure with the other half.
- Now you can cut the squash into your desired shape or size.
Peeling this bowling pin-shaped squash for your favorite squash soup and other dishes may seem difficult if you've never done it before. But really, all you need is a sharp knife or a peeler to prepare this versatile and comforting vegetable. This blog will show you how to peel butternut squash, so you can eat this delicious fruit anytime you want to. Now that we've started it, there's no going back!
1. How To Choose The Best Butternut Squash
Dalstrong Chef's Knife 7" Barong Gladiator Series NSF Certified
When choosing a butternut squash, look for one that is hard, weighty for its size, and has matte skin without any cracks or soft spots. Here are some tips to help you pick the best butternut squash:
- Look for a squash free of blemishes, soft spots, and cracks. The skin should be matte, not shiny or glossy, and uniform in color.
- The stem of the butternut squash should be intact and dry. The stem may be a sign of rot if it is moist or moldy.
- Pick a squash that is weighty for its size. This indicates that it is ripe and has much flesh inside.
- Gently press the skin with your thumb. If it feels hard, it is ripe and ready to eat. If it feels too soft, it may be overripe.
- Check the shape of the squash. Look for one with a long neck and a rounded, bulbous end. This indicates that it has a good amount of flesh and a small seed cavity.
Following these tips, you can choose a butternut squash that is ripe, sweet, and perfect for your recipe.
Read about the butternut squash health benefits, here.
2. How To Peel Butternut Squash Step-By-Step
Chef's Knife 7" Shogun Series ELITE Dalstrong
Peeling a butternut squash to prepare for your butternut squash soup can be a bit tricky due to its thick, tough skin, but with the correct technique, it can be done quickly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to peel and cut butternut squash:
- Wash the butternut squash under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut off both ends of the squash using a sharp knife.
- Stand the squash on one end and cut it in half lengthwise.
- Use a spoon to take out the seeds and firmly flesh from the center of the squash.
- Place one-half of the squash on a cutting board, flesh side down, and use a sharp vegetable peeler to peel the skin in long, downward strokes. Be sure to apply firm pressure to remove the tough outer layer.
- Rotate the squash as needed to peel the skin from the flesh.
- Repeat the process with the other half of the squash.
- Once the entire squash is peeled, cut it into the desired shape or size for your recipe.
That's it! With a bit of patience and a sharp vegetable peeler or knife, you can easily peel and cut butternut squash for your favorite butternut squash soup.
3. Easy Butternut Squash Recipe
Santoku Knife 7" Crusader Series NSF Certified Dalstrong
Here's an easy and delicious butternut squash recipe that you can make at home:
Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients:
- 1 medium squash, seeded, peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Put the squash cubes in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the butternut squash cubes and toss to cover them evenly.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to the mixing bowl and toss again to coat the cubes.
- Spread the butternut squash cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot as a side dish or utilize it as a garnish for salads, soups, or stews.
This recipe is easy and simple to create, bringing out the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of the butternut squash. Enjoy!
4. Recommended Dalstrong Products
1. Y Peeler 3 Blades Case Dalstrong
From beginners at home to professional sous chefs, the Dalstrong Y Peeler is an essential tool. This peeler is a versatile kitchen tool that can help remove the skin from your squash.
PROS:
- The peeler comes with three Japanese stainless steel blades.
- Can maneuver around tight spaces, and corners with ease.
- Durable G10 handle for a comfortable grip in wet environments.
CONS:
- Some people may prefer a wider handle for control.
- The interchangeable blade comes at a price, and it could be better for certain budget restrictions to fuse a regular peeler with a knife.
PROS:
- Attractive hand polished to a satin finish and designed for flexibility and hardness.
- Full tang for added robustness and strength.
- Blade transitions into high-chromium stainless steel.
CONS:
- Some people may prefer a paring knife with a standard style.
- Designed for accurate tasks and superb peeling, it may not be easy to do other stuff with it.
This paring knife is forged to perfection. Specially engineered with a variation of tasks in mind, everything from slicing, coring, and peeling vegetables and fruits to mincing herbs. This knife is vital to any home cooks or chefs.
PROS:
- Corrosion and rust resistance mean your knife will stay longer and cleaner.
- The handle is made from G10 for long durability.
- With a super sharp edge at an 8-12° angle per side.
CONS:
- Some people may look for a different design.
- If you're looking for a simpler design, check out this crusader series.
The shadow black series from dalstrong has a super sharp edge and exceptional grip. This paring knife will surely deliver the highest level of pleasure during your culinary expedition. Honed by expert to 16-18° to secure clean and precise cuts.
PROS:
- Sharpened to 16-18° per side to maintain the perfect balance between maximum flexibility and blade sharpness.
- Precisely tempered for durability
- Military-grade G10 handle.
- Low maintenance and easy to clean.
CONS:
- Some people are not into the Shadow Black Series typical look.
- The titanium cover requires extra care when sharpening the blade.
This paring knife is a good choice for peeling butternut squash, fruits, and vegetables. This knife is vital in every home cook and chef's drawer. Perfectly engineered balance with presence and satisfying heft.
PROS:
- Attractive hand-polished satin blade.
- Tapered design for flexibility and hardness
- G10 handles for superior refinement, strength, and beauty
CONS:
- Minimalist design, which may not be for everyone's liking.
- For other uses, others may want a longer blade.
5. Frequently Added Questions
What is the easiest way to peel butternut squash?
One of the easiest ways to peel a butternut squash is a peeler. Kick off by slicing off both ends of the butternut squash, then stand it up on one of the flat ends.
Is there a trick to peeling butternut squash?
Yes, there are a few tricks to peel and cut butternut squash easier. First, microwave the butternut squash for a few munites, and use a sharp Y peeler to do the peeling quicker and easier. Cut both ends and work in two sections, and scoop the seeds using a spoon.Do you remove skin from butternut squash before cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to peel the skin from butternut squash before cooking. The skin of the squash is tough and can be difficult to chew, so it's best to peel it off before preparing the squash.
What's the best way to peel a squash?
The best way to peel a squash depends on the type of squash you are working with. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will help you to peel most types of squash. Slice both ends of the squash and choose a sharp Y peeler or a knife. Remember always to be patient when peeling the squash.
