What To Know
- Whether you’re looking for a side dish to elevate your dinner or a delicious snack to munch on, this guide will walk you through the art of frying butternut squash, from preparation to serving.
- This process requires a bit of attention and a hot pan, but the results are well worth it.
- Once the butternut is golden brown, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Butternut squash, with its rich, sweet flavor and creamy texture, is a culinary gem that deserves more than just being roasted. Frying butternut squash unlocks a whole new world of taste and texture, transforming it into a crispy, savory delight. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to elevate your dinner or a delicious snack to munch on, this guide will walk you through the art of frying butternut squash, from preparation to serving.
Choosing the Right Butternut
The first step to achieving perfect fried butternut squash is selecting the right squash. Look for a firm, heavy butternut with a smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any squash with soft spots or wrinkles, as these are signs of spoilage.
Preparing the Butternut for Frying
Once you’ve chosen your butternut, it’s time to prepare it for frying. This involves peeling, deseeding, and cutting the squash into manageable pieces.
1. Peel the butternut: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin.
2. Halve and deseed: Cut the butternut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon.
3. Cube the butternut: Cut the halves into uniform cubes, about 1 inch in size. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
The Art of Battering
The secret to achieving crispy fried butternut squash lies in the batter. A light and airy batter will allow the squash to crisp up beautifully without becoming greasy. Here’s a simple batter recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Do not overmix.
The Frying Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now comes the fun part – frying the butternut! This process requires a bit of attention and a hot pan, but the results are well worth it.
1. Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of butternut into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
2. Coat the butternut: Dip the cubed butternut into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Gently shake off any excess batter.
3. Fry the butternut: Carefully add the battered butternut cubes to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove and drain: Once the butternut is golden brown, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Seasoning and Serving
Fried butternut squash is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can season it simply with salt and pepper, or get adventurous with your favorite spices. Here are a few flavor combinations to inspire you:
- Sweet and Spicy: Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Savory and Herbacious: Toss with rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Zesty and Citrusy: Drizzle with lemon or lime juice and a sprinkle of zest.
Serve your fried butternut squash as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a delightful appetizer or snack when served with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch dressing.
Beyond the Basic: Creative Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique of frying butternut squash, you can experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Fried Butternut Squash with Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the batter for a savory and cheesy twist.
- Fried Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup: Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and indulgent treat.
- Fried Butternut Squash with Chili Flakes: Add a touch of heat with chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fried Butternut Squash with Breadcrumbs: Coat the butternut in breadcrumbs for a crunchy and flavorful crust.
The Final Touch: A Culinary Masterpiece
Fried butternut squash is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. With a little practice and creativity, you can transform this humble squash into a culinary masterpiece.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I use other types of squash for frying?
Yes, you can try frying other types of squash, such as acorn squash, spaghetti squash, or even pumpkin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. How long can I store fried butternut squash?
Fried butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I fry butternut squash without batter?
Yes, you can fry butternut squash without batter. Simply toss the cubed butternut with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then fry until golden brown and crispy.
4. What other oils can I use for frying butternut squash?
You can use other oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil.
5. What are some other ways to enjoy butternut squash?
Butternut squash can be roasted, pureed, baked into bread, or used in soups and stews. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many ways.
