Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort is the epitome of a heartwarming meal that combines the savory goodness of sausage with the sweet, nutty flavors of butternut squash, all simmered to perfection in the gentle heat of a slow cooker. This dish is an ideal recipe for those looking for an easy yet satisfying dinner option, especially during the fall and winter months when the body craves something nourishing and comforting.
The preparation typically involves browning the sausage first to introduce a depth of flavor and ensure a good texture in the final dish. Butternut squash is peeled, seeded, and cubed, then layered into the crock-pot along with the sausage. The inherent sweetness of the butternut squash complements the richness of the sausage, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes can be added to the pot, thereby incorporating additional textures and an earthy element that absorbs the herbal and spiced notes released by the sausages. Onions and garlic are often included to provide a foundational aroma that infuses the entire dish.
Herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme contribute an aromatic backdrop that hints at classic comfort food. A broth or stock is then poured in, which not only helps to cook everything to tender perfection but also creates a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over each serving.
Cooking low and slow in a crock-pot ensures that all ingredients meld together, with the sausages and butternut squash releasing their juices and flavors into the mix. The result is a stew-like concoction that is as easy to make as it is satisfying to consume.
Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort Recipe
Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 15 ounce tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tbsp dried basil
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes crushed
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 sea salt
- 1 red pepper roasted
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage meat
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 2-lb. butterut squash peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 small zucchini chopped
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, place first 9 ingredients (tomato sauce through red pepper); process until smooth.
- With the blender or food processor running, slowly add the coconut oil; blend well then set aside
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage meat; cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add onion; cook until soft and sausage meat is cooked through.
- Reduce skillet heat to low.
- Add the sauce from the blender or food processor; bring mixture to a simmer, cook for 2 to 4 minutes then remove from heat.
- Spoon a thin layer of meat mixture on the bottom of a large crock cooker
- Next, layer half of the squash and zucchini, then one-third of the meat mixture; repeat this process, finishing with the remaining meat mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
Tips for making about Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort
Cooking tips
- Ingredients Preparation:
- Brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the crock-pot. This step adds depth of flavor and improves texture.
- Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash so it cooks evenly and becomes tender in the low and slow heat of the crock-pot.
- Layering Ingredients:
- Layer the ingredients strategically in the crock-pot. Start with the denser, harder vegetables like the cubed squash at the bottom where they are in direct contact with the heat, then add the browned sausage on top.
- Seasoning:
- Season the sausage and butternut squash generously with herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme. These herbs complement the natural flavors of the main ingredients well.
- Don’t forget to salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning will develop and meld over the long cooking time.
- Liquid:
- Add enough broth or stock to create steam and provide moisture during cooking, but not so much that it submerges the ingredients, as this could result in a soup-like consistency rather than a stew. A good rule of thumb is to have it cover about half of the contents.
- Cooking Time:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Slow cookers vary, so adjust times accordingly. The finished dish should have tender squash and fully cooked, flavorful sausage.
Serving Suggestions
- Grain Base: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The grains or potatoes will absorb the savory sauce, making each bite deliciously complete.
- Crusty Bread: Offering a freshly baked loaf or baguette on the side is perfect for sopping up the rich flavors left on the plate. A warm, crusty piece of bread truly acts as the ultimate comfort food companion.
- Bright Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The acidity and freshness of a salad can balance the richness of the sausage and squash stew.
- Steamed Greens: Simple steamed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be a healthy and vibrant addition, offering a nutrient-rich side that cuts through the density of the crock-pot meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: For an extra touch of cozy, roasted root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, or sweet potatoes can provide an earthy sweetness that matches well with the main dish’s flavor profile.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice makes a great base for this dish, and it soaks up the sauce just as well as traditional rice.
- Buttered Rolls: Small, soft dinner rolls or buttered biscuits can also add a touch of indulgence to the meal, great for those who enjoy dipping into the savory juices.
- Beverage Pairing: To drink, consider a full-bodied beer like an ale, which can stand up to the bold flavors of the sausage. For wine enthusiasts, a nice glass of red wine such as a Merlot or Syrah would make for a lovely pairing.
Top 5 FAQs about Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort
- What is Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort? Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort is a heartwarming stew-like dish that combines savory sausage with sweet, nutty butternut squash, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and provides a cozy meal that satisfies the craving for nourishing food.
- How do I prepare the ingredients for this dish? Start by browning the sausage in a skillet to introduce depth of flavor and ensure a good texture. Peel, seed, and cube butternut squash for even cooking. You can add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes if desired, as well as aromatic onions and garlic to build foundational flavors. Season with herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme and pour in some stock or broth before slow cooking.
- Can I add other vegetables or ingredients? Yes, you can add root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes to incorporate additional textures and flavors. Onions and garlic are commonly included, and you can also experiment with other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand.
- What’s the best way to serve this dish? The dish can be enjoyed on its own or served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s also delightful over rice or grains for a more filling meal. A side salad could provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.
- How long should I cook Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort in a crock-pot? Cooking times will vary depending on your slow cooker, but a general guideline is to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Adjust the timings based on how hot your crock-pot cooks, and check for tenderness of vegetables and sausage being cooked through.
In conclusion, Sausage and Butternut Squash Crock Comfort is a classic example of comfort food at its best. This dish melds the rich and savory flavors of sausage with the sweetness of butternut squash, delivering a harmonious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cooler weather. Cooking this meal in a crock-pot not only infuses the ingredients with an array of complementary flavors but also provides ease and convenience for the cook.
The layers of taste and texture make each bite interesting and fulfilling. With the possibility of adding root vegetables, onions, garlic, and a selection of herbs, the flexibility of this dish allows for personal taste customization while maintaining its core character of hearty warmth.