Whipped Butternut Jalapeno Squash

Whipped Butternut Jalapeno Squash. Butternut squash is one of those versatile vegetables that you can use to make a variety of recipes.  It has a creamy texture that makes it more filling than other water based vegetables.    I never get tired of experimenting with butternut squash!

In this recipe, we whip the squash with jalapeno pepper to give it a kick,  and then bake it in a casserole dish.  This sweet and savory dish  can be served as a side, or even for breakfast. Six ingredients, so easy and so yummy!

In California, we aren't as limited by seasonal fruits and vegetables, because we can find almost anything all year round.  In view of the fact that it stores well, you may find butternut squash available anytime as well,  and that is why having a selection of yummy butternut squash recipes is essential.  (Find several other recipes here.)

You can literally use this vegetable in breakfast, lunch or dinner recipes, in salads, pasta bowls, on the grill or as a side for holiday dishes.

Ingredients For Whipped Butternut Jalapeno Squash

Take a quick look here when preparing your shopping list to be certain that you have all of the ingredients for this recipe:

Cubed butternut squash
Yogurt
Eggs
Sea Salt and pepper
Jalapeno pepper
Green onions
Garlic
Maple Syrup

Steps For Preparing Whipped Butternut Jalapeno Squash

1.  Chop onions, garlic, jalapenos and butternut.  (I purchase butternut already chopped into cubes from Trader Joe's because, I am efficient....no really just lazy.)
2. Cook butternut for 8 minutes in microwave
3. After cooling, mix butternut with mixer
4. Add all remaining ingredients to mixed butternut
5. Oil a 9x13 casserole dish and pour mixture in
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes
7. Slice into squares
8. Serve

How Hot Is Jalapeno Pepper?

I think that jalapeno pepper is the best pepper to use in this otherwise mild dish, to serve one function--to give it some spice and some kick.  Jalapeno peppers can range on the hot scale from mild to hot.

You can generally tell how hot a pepper will be by the outward appearance of the skin.  A jalapeno pepper that is deprived of water,  stressed, has lines and marks, or is red, will be hotter. Additionally, the part of the pepper near the seeds will be hotter than other parts of the pepper. If the skin is light, green and smooth, it will be milder.

Fun fact:  Jalapeno is the state pepper of Texas.

There are so many recipes that use Jalapeno peppers to spice up the flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Stuffed jalapeños
• Pickled jalapeños and jalapeno pepper jelly.
• Chipotle peppers are actually are smoked jalapeños that are used in many Mexican recipes
• Jalapeno poppers are a tasty appetizer
• Jalapeños are often used in salsas and chilis
• Jalapeño peppers are also found in Vietnamese pho and banh mi

Tips For Making Whipped Butternut Jalapeno Squash

• After microwaving butternut, make sure that you drain any water that has accumulated in the bowl to avoid a mushy dish.  Leave some squash pieces intact when mixing--you don't want puree.
• Do not use food processor to mix the squash; use a mixer for squash and a spoon when adding remaining ingredients
• If you make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with your favorite egg replacer and substitute vegan yogurt.  See egg replacer options here.
• You can also use whipped cream cheese instead of yogurt for a creamier dish
• Use caution (gloves)when cleaning jalapenos; peppers can burn your hands and definitely don't rub your eyes

More recipes that you might enjoy:

Lemon Garlic Mint Quinoa Salad