Róisín Power | Staff Writer
Autumn is finally upon us, the season of comfort foods and “warm” spices. At this lovely time of year, pumpkin is very popular in the United States, for both decorative and culinary purposes. However, it is something that is not often used here in cooking. I have substituted pumpkin for butternut squash, its sweeter cousin, to concoct two great tasting, heart-warming recipes.
Pumpkin pasta
Serves 4
Ingredients
This is a quick and simple recipe. It is vegetarian, nourishing, and heart-warming. Perfect for this time of year.
1 butternut squash or pumpkin (peeled and deseeded)
2 tbsp olive oil
200ml crème fraîche
75g parmesan (grated)
400g tagliatelle
Salt and pepper
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180° C
2. Cut the squash into small cubes, place on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and then bake in
the oven for 15-25mins (until soft)
3. Boil the water for the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions
4. Remove the squash from the oven and coat with the grated parmesan and crème fraîche.
Season with salt and pepper. Place the tray back in the oven and allow the cheese to melt
5. When the pasta is al dente (with bite), drain it and return it to the pot. Stir in the creamy squash
mixture and divide between the bowls
6. Tuck in!
Mix it up:
Feel free to sub in other types of squash or pumpkin or even a mix. Also if you prefer something more tangy, try natural yogurt instead of crème fraîche. Finally, if you don’t have parmesan at hand, any strong cheddar or hard cheese will do.
Butternut butter
This sweet spread is a great treat that keeps well for up to a week in an airtight container and makes for a healthier alternative to Nutella on toast.
Ingredients
1 butternut squash (peeled and deseeded)
4-6 tbsp brown sugar
1-2 tsp mixed spice (not all spice!)
Method
1. Cut the squash into 4-6 chunks and place into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the squash
for 20mins or until very soft
2. Once cooked, puree the squash with a hand blender or potato masher. Place it in a pot over a
low heat and add the sugar and spice
3. Stir occasionally until smooth and silky
4. Allow to cool completely before placing in the fridge
5. Pop on the toast and start spreading!
