Canned squash, typically sold as 100% pure pumpkin puree, provides a convenient and shelf-stable way to incorporate winter squash into the diet. The puree is cooked and reduced to a smooth pulp for canning. The product is highly nutritious; a half-cup serving provides well over a day’s worth of Vitamin A (beta-carotene) and a notable amount of dietary fiber. Its naturally smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a highly versatile ingredient for both baking and cooking.
Sweet and Baked Goods Recipes
Canned squash is perhaps best known for its use in sweet applications, where its creamy texture and moisture content are particularly beneficial. The most traditional use remains as the base for pie filling, but its utility extends to almost any quick bread or batter. When baking muffins, loaves, or cookies, the puree can be used to replace some of the fat in the recipe, which lowers the overall calorie and fat content.
For instance, 100% pumpkin puree can often be substituted for oil in a one-to-one ratio, or for butter using three-quarters of the original amount. This substitution works because the puree retains moisture in the baked good, resulting in a tender crumb and a richer color. Beyond traditional baked goods, the puree can be stirred into pancake or waffle batter to add nutritional value and a slight earthy sweetness.
Quick Savory Dishes
While its sweet applications are popular, the mild flavor of canned squash also makes it an excellent ingredient for savory meals, where it functions as both a thickener and a flavor enhancer. The puree can be whisked into soups, such as chili or broth-based vegetable soups, to create a velvety texture without the need for heavy cream or a flour roux. This technique adds depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices in the dish.
The creamy nature of the puree also works well when mixed into pasta sauces, transforming a basic tomato sauce or a simple sage butter sauce into an enriched, creamy coating. For a quick weeknight meal, a small amount of the puree can be stirred into homemade or boxed macaroni and cheese, lending a deep orange hue and boosting the dish’s creaminess. Blending it into risotto or grain bowls adds a layer of richness and nutritional density. Canned squash can be seasoned with savory spices like cumin, garlic powder, and pepper, then heated quickly to serve as a simple side dish.