Butternut squash hack makes peeling easier - but don't do one crucial mistake

Are you a fan of butternut squash?

If you are then you'll know what a nightmare it is to peel and chop the vegetable. But don't fret as there's a brilliant trick which can make it far simpler for you.

For many across the UK, September signals the start of soup season. The shift into autumn months brings cooler days, leaving people yearning for warming, hearty meals. Butternut squash, with its naturally velvety texture and sweet, nutty taste, offers a perfect foundation for soups.

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It's also bursting with vital vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fibre. Let's not overlook that it boasts high beta-carotene levels, which are brilliant for the immune system.

But the challenging bit is slicing into the ingredients. Once skinned, the squash also turns slippery, making it trickier to chop into chunks, reports the Express.

However, specialists at Britsuperstore have shared a straightforward, professional trick for making butternut squash preparation absolutely effortless - there's one hack at the start that must never be left out.

Start by puncturing the squash

Britsuperstore explained: "Before microwaving the butternut squash, use a fork or the tip of a knife to pierce the skin with several holes. This allows the steam to escape and prevents the butternut squash from bursting in the microwave."

Microwave the squash

"Place the whole butternut squash in the microwave and heat it on max for between two and four minutes, depending on the size of the vegetable.

"This will soften the skin and flesh slightly, which makes it so much easier to cut! Let it cool and peel and cut.

"After microwaving, let the squash cool for a couple of minutes. You should now be able to peel and slice. Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the softened skin. Chop off the ends of the squash, slice it in half and scoop out the seeds."

Bonus hack

"If you plan to roast the squash to use in a soup, roast the whole thing first instead of chopping it into pieces. The contents can then be scooped out, which will save you a lot of strenuous chopping time."

Have you got any food hacks that you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments below.

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