Mashed Pumpkin with Bay Leaves

This buttery pumpkin mash infused with the flavor of fresh bay leaves is a wonderful side dish for any type of meat and can be made with all kinds of winter squash.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 278 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or to taste
• 2 winter squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 7 fresh bay leaves

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Place squash cut-side up on a baking sheet and brush with 1 tablespoon butter.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven until squash flesh is soft and can easily be pierced with a fork, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup butter and bay leaves in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat and set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow bay leaf flavor to infuse butter.

Step 5

Scrape the squash flesh from the skin into a bowl using a spoon. Remove bay leaves from butter; discard leaves. Pour butter over squash and mash everything with a fork. Season with salt. Stir in maple syrup.