Mashed Sweet Dumpling Squash

Mashed Sweet Dumpling Squash

Makes: About 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 medium Sweet Dumpling squash

2 tbsp butter

½ tsp salt, plus more to taste

⅛ tsp black pepper, optional

1-3 tbsp milk or cream, only if needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the squash

Cut the squash into sections, scoop out the seeds and stringy centres, and cut off the skin. Cut the peeled flesh into roughly 1-2 inch chunks.

2. Boil the squash

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the squash and boil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until completely tender and easily pierced with a fork.

3. Drain thoroughly

Pour the squash into a colander and allow it to drain for about 5 minutes. This helps prevent watery mashed squash.

4. Remove excess moisture

Return the drained squash to the empty pot. Place over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring gently, to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

5. Mash

Remove from the heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and ½ teaspoon salt. Mash until creamy, or leave slightly chunky if preferred.

6. Adjust the consistency

Taste before adding any liquid. If the mash is too thick, add milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Taste and add additional salt or butter if needed. Serve as-is or choose one of the variations below.

Flavour variations

🧈 Classic buttery

For a simple side that lets the squash flavour come through:

Base recipe

Extra 1 tbsp butter

Salt to taste

Black pepper

🍁 Maple butter

Sweet, buttery and autumn-like:

Base recipe

1½ tbsp pure maple syrup

¼ tsp cinnamon

Small pinch nutmeg

Tiny pinch salt

Taste before adding more maple syrup. Sweet Dumpling is already quite sweet.

🌿 Sage & Parmesan

More savoury and good alongside chicken, turkey or pork:

Base recipe

⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan

½ tsp rubbed sage, or 1-2 tsp finely chopped fresh sage

Black pepper

Extra 1 tbsp butter

🧀 Cheddar mash

More like a rich mashed-potato side:

Base recipe

¾ cup old/sharp cheddar

2 tbsp cream

Black pepper

Add the cheese while the squash is still hot so it melts completely.

🍂 Brown sugar & cinnamon

The sweetest version, almost sweet-potato-casserole territory:

Base recipe

1½ tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp additional butter

Pinch nutmeg

🥛 Extra creamy

For a very smooth restaurant-style mash:

Base recipe

3 tbsp heavy cream

1 additional tbsp butter

Salt and pepper