Butternut Squash Kugel (Pareve)

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. Step 2

   Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish, or similarly sized casserole dish and set aside. 

3. Step 3

   With a large chef's knife , carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and rub the cut sides with a little oil.

4. Step 4

   Place the squash halves cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until tender. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle. 

5. Step 5

   Scoop the butternut squash flesh from the skin. Transfer 4 cups of roasted squash to a large bowl. (Don't worry if your squash yields slightly more or less. If you have a little extra squash, feel free to include it in the recipe, but if you find you've got a lot, save it for another use.)

6. Step 6

   Add the oil and maple syrup to the squash and whisk together until well combined.

7. Step 7

   Slowly add the beaten eggs, whisking constantly until well-incorporated. If the squash is still fairly warm, the slow addition of the eggs while mixing is important, otherwise, you may end up with bits of cooked egg in the batter.

8. Step 8

   Stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using).

9. Step 9

   Sprinkle the squash mixture with the flour and stir well to combine, making sure no lumps or streaks of flour remain. If you prefer a very smooth kugel, puree the mixture with a regular or immersion blender. 

10. Step 10

    Pour the squash batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

11. Step 11

    Sprinkle the top with the pecans, if using.

12. Step 12

    Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the kugel is firm, the top appears dry and golden, and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

13. Step 13

    Serve and enjoy.