Butternut Squash Soufflé I

Butternut Squash Soufflé I Recipe with Mandarin Oranges and Almonds

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Butternut squash soufflé is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the light and airy texture of a soufflé. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal, as it is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and rich flavor.

History

The exact origins of butternut squash soufflé are unclear, but soufflés in general have been a popular dish in French cuisine for centuries. The combination of butternut squash and soufflé is a modern twist on the classic dish, adding a unique and flavorful twist to a traditional recipe.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) butternut squash
11 oz (312 g) canned mandarin oranges, drained
1 tbsp margarine, melted
1 tsp maple flavoring
0.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs, separated
2 tbsp almonds, toasted, finely chopped

How to prepare

Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
Place the cut sides down in a casserole dish and add 0.5 inch of hot water.
Cover the dish and bake it at 375°F (191°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Let the squash cool for 30 minutes.
Once cooled, carefully scoop out the pulp and mash it with a potato masher. This should yield about 2 cups.
Stir the mashed squash together with oranges, margarine, flavoring, and spice.
Beat the egg yolks until they are thick and lemon colored.
Stir the beaten yolks into the squash mixture.
Beat the egg whites (at room temperature) until they are stiff but not dry.
Gently fold in the squash mixture into the beaten egg whites.
Spoon the mixture into 6 ungreased 6 oz (170 g) soufflé dishes.
Bake the dishes at 375°F (191°C) for 20 minutes or until they are puffed and lightly browned.
Sprinkle each dish with toasted almonds and serve immediately.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the squash mixture for extra flavor.
Top the soufflé with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to bake the butternut squash until it is tender before mashing it, as this will ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the soufflé.

- Folding the beaten egg whites into the squash mixture gently is key to creating a light and fluffy soufflé.

- Serve the soufflé immediately after baking, as it will begin to deflate as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the butternut squash soufflé as a side dish with roasted chicken or turkey, or as a main course with a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, mashing, beating, folding

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned pumpkin puree instead of butternut squash for a similar flavor.

- Substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The butternut squash mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soufflé in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or in a large baking dish for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the butternut squash soufflé with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soufflé in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Butternut squash is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

Contains eggs and tree nuts (almonds)

Summary

Butternut squash soufflé is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, while also being relatively low in calories and fat.

Summary

Butternut squash soufflé is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air was filled with the scent of pumpkin spice. I had just finished picking butternut squash from my garden and was eager to try out a new recipe. As I flipped through my collection of old cookbooks, my eyes landed on a worn and weathered page that caught my attention.

The recipe for Butternut Squash Soufflé was handwritten in elegant script, the ink slightly faded from years of use. I traced my fingers over the words, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. This recipe was not like the others in my collection, it was special. It had been passed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Thompson, who had learned it from her grandmother many years ago.

Mrs. Thompson had always been a source of inspiration for me when it came to cooking. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, filled with the delicious aromas of home-cooked meals. Whenever I visited her, she would always have a new recipe to share with me, and I was eager to learn from her.

On that fateful day, Mrs. Thompson had invited me over for tea and scones. As we sipped our tea and caught up on each other's lives, she suddenly grew quiet and a thoughtful look crossed her face. She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a tattered piece of paper.

"I have something special to share with you, my dear," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "This recipe has been in my family for generations, and I believe it is time for you to have it."

She handed me the piece of paper and I read the words with awe. Butternut Squash Soufflé. The name alone sounded exotic and intriguing. Mrs. Thompson explained that this recipe had been a favorite of her grandmother's and was always a hit at family gatherings.

As I studied the ingredients and instructions, Mrs. Thompson shared with me the story behind the recipe. Her grandmother had been a talented cook who loved to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. One day, she had discovered a patch of butternut squash growing in her garden and decided to incorporate it into a soufflé.

The result was a dish unlike anything her family had ever tasted before. The creamy texture of the squash combined with the light and fluffy soufflé was a match made in heaven. From that day on, Butternut Squash Soufflé became a staple at every family gathering, a dish that brought joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

I thanked Mrs. Thompson profusely for sharing this precious recipe with me and promised to make it for my own family. As I left her house that day, I felt a renewed sense of purpose in my cooking. I couldn't wait to recreate the Butternut Squash Soufflé and share it with my loved ones.

And so, I began my journey of mastering this delicious recipe. I spent hours in the kitchen, peeling and chopping butternut squash, whisking eggs and folding in the fluffy egg whites. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, transporting me back to that autumn day when I first discovered the recipe.

After several failed attempts and a few burnt soufflés, I finally perfected the recipe. The Butternut Squash Soufflé emerged from the oven golden and puffed, its aroma beckoning my family to the dinner table. As we sat down to eat, I watched with joy as my loved ones took their first bite and their faces lit up with delight.

The Butternut Squash Soufflé was a triumph, a dish that brought us together and filled our hearts with warmth and love. As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Thompson and her grandmother, two women who had passed down this recipe to me with such love and care.

And so, every autumn when the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, I make Butternut Squash Soufflé in honor of Mrs. Thompson and her grandmother. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my family and the delicious aroma of Butternut Squash Soufflé wafting through the air, I am filled with gratitude for the precious gift of this recipe. It is a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring, a tradition that I will continue to pass down to future generations. And as I take another bite of the creamy, fluffy soufflé, I know that Mrs. Thompson and her grandmother are smiling down on me from above.