Mashed Winter Squash, Three Ways

Looking for a filling, nutrient-dense side dish that is versatile, easy, and delicious? Meet your new favorite cold-weather staple: Mashed Winter Squash. Warm, comforting, and easy to make, mashed winter squash also makes a lovely blank canvas for various herbs, spices, and aromatics. 

The base stays the same: Roasted winter squash scooped from its skin, moistened with broth, seasoned, and mashed. It’s the three flavoring options that provide personality. From Italian-inspired fresh sage, garlic, and nutmeg, to aromatic Chinese 5-Spice, or licorice-scented tarragon kissed with coconut milk. It’s impossible to pick a favorite and dead simple to get on the table. 

All three variations of this mashed winter squash are gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo. Two of them are also AIP and vegan-friendly. The dietary compliance for each option is clearly outlined in the printable recipe below. 

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What’s the Best Kind of Squash to Use?

I debated being more specific than “winter squash” with the title of this recipe because, truly, this is amazing with Kabocha, Sunshine, Jarrahdale, Cinderella, or Buttercup Squash. All of those varieties are pumpkin-shaped, with deep-orange flesh and lots of natural sweetness. Part of what makes these varieties work well is that they provide a good amount of squash flesh and are easy to roast, scoop, and mash because of it.  

That said, finding these varieties might be difficult, and I don’t want you to feel like it’s necessary to run around town hunting down a Kabocha when more common varieties like butternut or even sweet potato would make fine understudies. 

Personally, I would avoid smaller (albeit still delicious) varieties like acorn, delicata, or carnival squash, mainly because you would have to roast several to get enough squash, and scooping the flesh can be a little bit awkward from deeply-ridged varieties like acorn. But if that’s what you have on hand, and you’re up for the extra prep time, there wouldn’t be anything wrong with how they would taste. 

Best Squash Choices: Kabocha, Sunshine, Buttercup, Jarrahdale, Cinderella.

Try this next: Chex Mix-Inspired Delicata Rings

Thyroid-Healthy Recipe Highlights:

• Winter Squash: 1 serving of winter squash contains between 150% and 450% DV for Vitamin A, which may help reduce the risk of developing hypothyroidism. Winter squash is also high in several other key thyroid-supporting nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Though it is naturally sweet and filling, the glycemic load for winter squash is very low, with a score of 5 out of 250, making it a good choice for weight loss.
• Bone broth is one of the most highly recommended foods for anyone suffering from an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s. The collagen and glycine can help repair cell damage in the intestinal tract.

Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!

P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.

 

More Thyroid-Healthy Sides:

• Olive Oil Mashed Cauliflower and Sweet Potatoes (AIP, Paleo)
• Steamed Artichokes with Garlic, Lemon & Fennel Aioli
• Herb Roasted (or Grilled) Asparagus
• Pumpkin Sage Macaroni and 'Cheese' with Crispy Shallot Topping
• Green Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Garlic & Almonds
• Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds
• Sesame Carrots with Kasha (Toasted Buckwheat)