This Whipped Kabocha Squash recipe with vanilla bean and nutmeg is a winner ~ take a chance on this one, guys, trust me, the texture is dreamy and the flavors are out of this world.
I don’t think I’ve bought one acorn or butternut squash yet this season ~ I’ve been completely obsessed with kabocha. This Japanese variety of winter squash has stolen my heart with its crazy creamy texture (there’s nothing watery or stringy about it,) and that deep rich color, which you already know means tons of beta carotene. The fluffy texture of the cooked kabocha flesh means that it whips up into one incredible side dish. Mashed potatoes don’t stand a chance against this.
I decided to add the vanilla bean and nutmeg at the last minute as I was standing over my freshly whipped squash and, oh wow, was that a good call. There’s no sweetener in this dish, so it’s not like the cloying sweet potatoes or yams you’re used to. This is light and savory, with a hint of spice. The vanilla bean gives an aura of sweetness without actually having to resort to brown sugar or marshmallows.
TIP: Vanilla isn’t just for sweets, you can use it to enhance all kinds of dishes, sweet and savory. When I use vanilla in savory dishes I always use the bean and its seeds for the best flavor.
You’ll find kabocha with the other winter squash in your produce section. They come in varying sizes, and you’ll want one at least 3 pounds for this recipe. If you’re feeding more than 4 people, pick up more. You can use kabocha in any recipe that calls for pumpkin, hubbard, or acorn squash. I find the easiest way to cook it is to roast it whole, then cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and then the flesh. Check out my Whole Roasted Kabocha Squash with Chipotle Butter if you’d like to try it in wedges rather than mashed.
TIP: Kabocha squash are in season in fall and winter, but you can find them year round because they continue to ripen after being picked. The flesh actually gets sweeter as it ‘ages’. Choose winter squash that feels heavy for its size.
I hope you’ll take a chance on kabocha this year ~ you won’t regret it ๐
TIP: If you want to make this ahead, reheat gently with some stock or half and half and a little more butter. Whisk well to keep it smooth.
Whipped Kabocha Squash with Vanilla Bean and Nutmeg
Ingredients
- 3 pounds kabocha squash, (1 large squash)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup half and half, more as needed
- seeds from 1 vanilla bean
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
garnish
Instructions
- set oven to 375ยฐF.
- Pierce the skin of the squash with the tip of a sharp knife a few times and put on a baking sheet. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the flesh is soft when pierced with the tip of the sharp knife. Let cool slightly and then slice the squash in half. Scoop out the seeds, and then scoop out all the flesh with a large spoon.
- Put the kabocha flesh in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add the butter, half and half, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Process until completely smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste and pulse to combine. Add more half and half if you'd like a thinner puree.
- Sppon the squash into a serving bowl and serve with more butter and snipped chives.
Nutrition
notes:
- For this kabocha squash recipe I used my food processor to whip the squash. You could use a potato ricer, or hand held beaters, but the texture will be different. Be sure the squash is fully cooked and soft before you whip it.
Can the kabocha squash be cubed and roasted?
If you cook it that way it won’t whip up as creamy, Cheryl, but if you don’t plan to whip it, then yes, that’s delicious. You might toss it in some maple syrup for a little sweetness.
Kabocha is one of my favorites- this looks pretty enough to be dessert! I’ve stocked up on them for the holidays- can’t wait to try it. ๐
Apparently they can last all winter in a cool dark place ~ enjoy!
Kabocha- yummy, will try your add ins
It’s not so easy for me to use our oven. Can this be cooked on the stove top?
Well, the problem with winter squash is that they are hard to peel, Kimi. In order to boil the squash you’d have to remove that peel. Do you have a microwave? I haven’t tried it, but I bet you could microwave the squash. Just cut it in half, scoop out the innards, pierce it a few times with a knife, lay it face down on a plate and microwave until tender. You’d have to do it in 2 stages, one half at a time. Then scoop out the flesh and proceed with the recipe.
That is squash perfection right there! Love the beautiful colour and the vanilla and nutmeg flavourings are perfect.
Wow this is so gorgeous! It looks silky smooth and absolutely delicious. We made your other baked kobacha squash recipe and loved it. Served with butter and maple syrup it was like dessert. I’ll have to try this one too then!