What to add to very dry buttercup squash?

[cathyeats]

I had envisioned a creamy mashed squash dish, but the squash seems very dry after roasting. What do you think I should add? (Don't say butter, cuz I can't eat it!) Maybe olive oil and greek yogurt? Any other ideas?

[peppermint_sky]

I know you already doctored up your squash, cathy, but here's a trick that I really like --

Puree some chicken/vegetable stock WITH caramelized onions. I do this in soups and it adds a lot of mystery-wow, a whole depth of flavor and in this case moisture as well.

[cathyeats]

I'll definitely try that next time. I do pureed roasted shallots in my vegetarian gravy, and love that.

[peppermint_sky]

It's great for a soup too, adds a velvety consistency and lots of flavor in every spoonful.

[cathyeats]

Thanks, everyone. To answer the burning question about why I can't eat butter....I have hereditary heart disease. Very serious, so I have to be super careful with saturated fat. Sucks. But anyway, what I ended up doing with the squash was to add one small container of plain yogurt (not Greek), a good pinch each of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, alspice, salt and pepper, a few glugs each of olive oil and maple syrup. FANTASTIC. I wish I'd written down the amounts so I could post it on my blog. In any case, if you want to try it, you can wing it and it will be great.

[Bada Bing]

Terrific. I will keep your approach in mind.

Sorry to hear about your health restriction. No cream, either, then... :(

[sueatmo]

I like the idea of adding tahini. I've had luck adding a little Champagne vinegar or golden balsamic vinegar and a little coffee cream. It is interesting that your squash has come out dry. I've been micro cooking squash and I've noticed that it seems too damp. I was just thinking that next time, I'd like to drain out some of the liquid before pureeing.

[Bada Bing]

Why no butter? Is all dairy out?

I think that a touch of stock/broth and cream could work well, along with seasonings to suit your taste.

Olive oil sounds a bit off to me, but I've never tried that with winter squash.

[todao]

"Why no butter? Is all dairy out?"

OP said, "... cuz I can't eat it! ".

[Bada Bing]

I saw that, actually, and meant to ask why she can't eat it--in case her restriction affects other options as well.

[ipsedixit]

Pureed caramelized onions.

[Bada Bing]

Very cool idea.

[hotoynoodle]

bacon fat; peanut butter; sesame oil; maple syrup; chicken stock. combinations thereof.

[ultimatepotato]

Yoghurt, creme fraiche, light cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese. You could use olive oil spread as an alternative to butter. I also like to mash in a bit of tahini paste.