We Tried Instant Pot Butternut Squash and Experienced a Miracle

butternut squash

We love squash. It doesn't matter if it's as winter comfort food, a fall feast, or a summertime squash bake, if it's in the grocery store, we're buying it. Our only complaint is that preparing a winter squash can be a process. Cutting it open is a feat of great strength, and it can take an awfully long time to roast it to the right texture. That is until Instant Pot came into our lives. This kitchen essential is a game-changer. Suddenly in 12 minutes, you can have a butternut squash at your fingertips — not bad considering the conventional method takes about 45 minutes.

Photo via Nick Collins/Unsplash.


All you need to do is place your trivet in the Instant Pot along with one cup of water and a halved butternut squash. Then you set the machine to manual mode with high pressure for 12 minutes. Once the manual program beeps to tell you it's finished, wait five minutes before you depressurize the pot and take out the squash. Voila, you're done. Why stop there though when you could repurpose all that time you saved to make a decadent dish? Since generally we don't simply eat squash as is, here's a recipe for butternut squash polenta.

Photo via Katherine Chase/Unsplash.

Butternut Squash Polenta RECIPE

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 yellow onion (finely minced)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 cup polenta
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 cups spinach
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan
  • 1 butternut squash, cooked
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large pan over medium-high heat (or in your Instant Pot using the sauté setting), sauté the onions and garlic in butter until the onions are translucent. Then, add polenta, milk, and salt to the onions and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer until the polenta becomes thick and coats the back of a spoon.

2. Take off the stovetop (or turn off Instant Pot) and stir in spinach, parmesan, squash, and herbs.

What else do you do with butternut squash? Tweet us your suggestions @BritandCo.

Featured photo via Photo via Sarah Dubler/Unsplash.

Recipe via Jessi Devenyns / Brit + Co.

Thanksgiving seems centered around turkey. From the hearty stuffing to the thick ‘n’ juicy gravy, almost everything is made with or around the turkey and its drippings. So, how do vegetarians get by? Easily! Meatless lasagnas make for a great main, stuffing can be made delicious without the bird, and those perfectly cooked vegetarian sides can be hella filling. See for yourself!

Check out our list of 29 tempting vegetarian-friendly holiday recipes.

Turk'y Wellington with Mushroom Stuffing

Farm Sanctuary

With an oyster mushroom stuffing, you won't miss the turkey in this delicious and savory main meal by Farm Sanctuary Cafe Chef Gail Patak. Try the mashed potatoes and gravy recipes included too!

Vegan Meatloaf

Jessica in the Kitchen

Loaded with chickpeas and lentils, this hearty cheatloaf makes for a perfect main to go alongside all of those tasty sides.

Green Beans With Brown Butter, Crispy Shallots, and Hazelnuts

Two Peas and Their Pod

This recipe kicks your regular ol’ green beans up a few notches by adding crispy fried shallots, crunchy hazelnuts, and browned butter.

Roasted Squash, Pecan, and Pomegranate Salad

Minimalist Baker

With minimal prep, this mouthwatering squash and sweet potato salad is the perfect addition to your holiday spread with sugared pecans and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses dressing.

Kabocha Squash Lasagna

Umami Girl

Not into “tofurky?” Don’t worry, because this veggie-layered lasagna is delicious, filling, and meets all the requirements of being a Thanksgiving main with its autumnal flavors and comforting textures.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Fried Sage and Halloumi

Floating Kitchen

Throughout the cooler months, a starter soup is the way to go — especially if it’s a silky butternut squash soup slightly sweetened by apples.

Veggie Pot Pies with Crispy Potatoes

Evergreen Kitchen

These vegan and GF pot pies are brimming with robust mushrooms, carrots, and wholesome greens, then topped with crispy potatoes.

Vegan Caramel Apple Galette

Farm Sanctuary

Here are four vegan desserts from Farm Sanctuary Chef Patak, including Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Bread pudding, Sweet Ricotta and Pine Nut Tart, and this delightful Caramel Apple Galette to satisfy all the sweet cravings.

Vegan Spiral Thanksgiving Tart

The Colorful Kitchen

Impress your fam and friends with this jaw-dropping tart filled with mashed potatoes, eggplant, carrots, cabbage, earthy rosemary, and your favorite plant-based gravy.

Caramelized Onion Gravy

This Wife Cooks

This savory gravy pairs well with a number of other Thanksgiving dishes. Its rich flavor is a show-stopper and its made with vegan butter instead of the typical kind.

Porcini Mushroom, Greens, And Forbidden Rice Gratin

Vanilla and Bean

This comfort food is so flavorful and is made with black rice, mushrooms, greens, and rice gratin. It is good for you and can also be made gluten-free!

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Vanilla and Bean

This moist and tender cornbread is the perfect mix of sweet and savory. It's so easy to whip up and can be stored in the freezer for future indulgence!

Tempeh Sausage-Stuffed Squash

Hummusapien

Replace the iconic stuffed turkey by packing a flavor-filled tempeh sausage stuffing into soft roasted acorn squash boats.

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Crowded Kitchen

These carrots are expertly coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that is seriously so delicious. The pomegranate seed garnish adds an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.

Mashed Potatoes

Gastro Plant

These vegan mashed potatoes are oh-so-creamy and savory. They're the ultimate Thanksgiving staple!

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

Image via Joy Food Sunshine

This crave-worthy side tops a velvety sweet potato and apple sauce blend with crunchy pecans for a fall-inspired dish.

Curry-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The Missing Lokness

Roasted to a golden crisp, these Brussels sprouts bring warming spices and a hint of sweetness to your plate with curry powder and dried cranberries, and it.is.awesome.

Nut Roast

Two Spoons

This meat-free dish is savory and satiating. It's made with wholesome ingredients, including mushrooms, nuts, brown rice, and fresh herbs.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Earthly Provisions

This stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food. It utilizes raw cashews instead of cheese, which may sound questionable, but trust me it's so good.

Butternut Squash Dal

Cook with Manali

Stock up on naan, because you’ll want to dig into this vegan and GF dal all evening with its combination of lentils, onions, tomato, cumin, and curry leaves.

Wellington

Crowded Kitchen

This delicious recipe swaps out the classic beef tenderloin for a savory mushroom filling. It's packed with flavor and equally as yummy as the original!

Cranberry Sauce

A Virtual Vegan

This vegan cranberry sauce is loaded up with flavor. It has orange juice, orange zest, rosemary, cinnamon, and a splash of booze (but that last one can be swapped out for orange juice)!

Cheesy Scalloped Hannah Sweet Potatoes

No Eggs or Ham

Thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a thick, cheesy, and sweet white pepper sauce? Sign me up!

Vegan Dinner Rolls

Veggie Society

It's not Thanksgiving without a basket of fresh, light, and fluffy biscuits. These Italian-style ones are mouth-watering and are sure to be a hit.

Simple Cornbread Sage Stuffing

The Full Helping

This recipe puts a vegan spin on a Thanksgiving fave so that *everyone* can enjoy it. Made with vegan cornbread, it’s packed with all the right flavors.

Holiday Festive Falafels

Two Spoons

These yummy falafels are a must-have for your Thanksgiving spread. They're cozy, crispy, vegan, and gluten-free.

Thanksgiving Mushrooms and Potatoes

Veggie Society

These vegan and gluten-free mushrooms and potatoes are made with chanterelles, caramelized onions, and crispy sage. They're seriously flavorful and something the entire group will enjoy.

Pecan Pie

The Edgy Veg

This easy recipe tastes just like the traditional pecan pie recipe, just with vegan ingredients that allows the entire group to dig in! (via The Edgy Veg)

Bread Pudding

Crowded Kitchen

If you're looking for a warm and comforting dessert to enjoy after your scrumptious Thanksgiving meal, this vegan bread pudding is a winner. It has dried fruit, bourbon, cinnamon, and vegan custard.

Follow us on Pinterest for more vegetarian thanksgiving recipes and goodness!

This post has been updated.

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner spent New Years Eve together, and based on the giant ring Dua's wearing on THAT finger, it looks like they could be spending the rest of their lives together too! This celebrity couple were first spotted together in January 2024, and immediately became my favorite couple, like, ever. Engagement rumors were flying by the end of the year, and thanks to Dua Lipa's latest Instagram posts, the internet is more convinced than ever that these two will be headed down the aisle soon.

Here's everything we know about those Dua Lipa and Callum Turner engagement rumors.

Dua Lipa's been wearing a gorgeous ring on THAT finger since Christmas.

In a post celebrating the holidays, Dua Lipa posted a roundup of photos — led by a shot of her wearing a sherpa jacket and reindeer antlers. But as fun as her outfit is, the internet immediately focused on another detail: her new ring. It appears to be a diamond on a chunky gold band, and if you ask me, the ring's modern, glam look is the perfect vibe for the "Houdini" singer.

"THE RING," one user commented, while another user said, "ENGAGED VIBESSSSSSSSSS," under another end-of-year post.

And when Dua Lipa finally posted photos from her epic New Year's Eve celebration on January 3, a third user commented, "We all still waiting to see the 💍." TLDR; the singer's fans really want to know if she's engaged! But if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that this couple won't tell us unless they want to. And I'm here for it!

And Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are totally "mad about each other."

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner keep their relationship pretty private (aside from some very cute walks), but according to one Page Six source, they've been "mad about each other" from the start. And it's clear because these two can't keep their hands off each other!

"Dua and Callum are so in love and know this is forever," a source told The Sun in December 2024. “They are engaged and couldn’t be happier. Dua has had one of the best years of her career professionally and this is the cherry on the cake."

"Callum is such a solid support for Dua and they make a wonderful couple," the source continues. "Their family and friends are so happy. It’s been an amazing Christmas for them.”

Stay tuned for the latest news on Dua Lipa and Callum Turner's potential engagement, and read up on Tom Holland and Zendaya's engagement!

It's taken years (kid you not) to develop this thickvegan instant pot chili. Many recipes out there turn out too soupy and have a sort of muted steamed taste. We've toyed with the measurements here and there and finally can present something we're impressed with. Fascinatingly enough, quinoa helps to bind the veg and tomatoes together; the pseudo-grain swells up and soaks any extraneous liquid. It's an essential part of this simple vegetarian chili that calls for only a handful of ingredients.

We intentionally tried to make it easier on you, because we know getting a home-cooked meal on the table is trouble enough. The most effort you'll have to put forth is cranking open a bunch of cans and rough-chopping onion and pepper. We promise you can get through that prep in about the same amount of time it takes to listen to a single on Spotify.

How To Make Pressure-Cooked Vegetarian Chili

Once cooked, the onions, tomatoes, and peppers practically melt in your mouth, while the beans retain their firmness and chew. This is not a five-alarm chili in terms of heat, but you can certainly crank things up by doctoring it with sriracha, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeño. If you need more textural contrast, serve it with some tortilla chips. The recipe yields quite a large amount — certainly enough for you to reheat and enjoy all week long. That, or inspire you to host a last-minute dinner party with spicy paloma cocktails for all.

Recipe Notes: Don't rinse the beans! They help thicken the chili. To crank up the heat, dice up a fresh jalapeño (ribs and seeds), and toss it in the pressure cooker along with all the other ingredients. The hot capsaicin will infuse into every bite of the chili.

Ingredients

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

  • 2 cups broth of your choice
  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa
  • 1 large onion, large dice
  • 2 bell peppers, large dice
  • 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 4 ounce can diced green chilis
  • 1 heaping tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained
  • 1 15 ounce can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained
  • salt and cayenne, to taste
  • shredded cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast, to garnish
  • guacamole or freshly sliced avocado, to garnish

Directions

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

Step One

In the pot of a multicooker, combine all ingredients in the order they appear. Secure the lid and lock. Cook on chili/bean setting or on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes.

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

Step Two

Quick-release, carefully remove lid, and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Salt and/or sprinkle cayenne pepper to taste.

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

Step Three

Divide chili in bowls, garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese and guacamole (or avocado).

Step Four

Transfer leftovers to an air-tight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Flavor will improve each day as the spices sink into the ingredients.

Dive into more mouth-watering food recipes on Brit + Co!

Recipe created by Anna Monette Roberts

This post has been updated.

Hot cocoa and a fuzzy blanket are the perfect companions for a night in, especially when you're having a winter movie night! The new movies coming in February make for the best Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day plans — even if you'd rather go to a rage room than sit down for a romantic dinner. No matter what your stance on February 14 is (or your relationship status) there's a movie for everyone. And check out the new February TV shows coming your way!

Here are the 11 most-anticipated new movies coming in February 2025.

Kinda Pregnant — On Netflix February 5, 2025

Scott Yamano/Netflix

Lainy's excited for her best friend's pregnancy, but she's also insanely jealous...which leads her to wear a fake bump and convince everyone in her life she's pregnant. That sounds complicated as-is, but things get even crazier when she meets her dream man. Kinda Pregnant already sounds hilarious, but with Amy Schumer and Brianne Howey, I know we're gonna be laughing out loud.

Kinda Pregnant premieres February 5 and stars Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., Brianne Howey, Alex Moffat, Joel David Moore, Lizze Broadway, Urzila Carlson, Francis Benhamou.

Love Hurts — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures

Marvin Gable's traded a life of crime for a career as a realtor in Wisconsin. But when his ex-partner Rose ropes him back into the world he's tried so hard to escape, Marvin realizes you can't escape your past. Or your murders brother.

Love Hurts hits theaters February 7 and stars Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, Marshawn Lynch, and André Eriksen.

Heart Eyes — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Spyglass/Sony Pictures Releasing

If you're missing Slasher Summer, you'll definitely want to see this new movie when it premieres on February 7. A murderer who goes by Heart Eyes targets couples every Valentine's Day — and Ally and her date might be next.

Heart Eyes premieres February 7 and stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy — On Peacock February 13, 2025

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We're finally getting a new Bridget Jones movie, and it's coming oh so soon! Bridget, now a single mom, finds herself drawn to the young and handsome Roxster, but she also can't stop running into Mr. Wallaker. I can't wait to see how this one unfolds.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy drops on February 13 and stars Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, and Gemma Jones.

Captain America: Brave New World — In Theaters February 14, 2025

Eli Adé/Marvel Studios/Disney

Marvel fans, we are so back! After a slew of movies and TV shows that contributed to superhero fatigue for all of us, the MCU is getting back to its roots with Captain America: Brave New World. Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle of Captain America but is constantly compared to Steve Rogers — especially when the government finds itself on the brink of a worldwide crisis.

Captain America: Brave New World premieres February 14 and stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Harrison Ford, and Liv Tyler.

Paddington in Peru — In Theaters February 14, 2025

Peter Mountain/StudioCanal/Sony Pictures

Paddington is off on a tropical adventure when his quest to find Aunt Lucy takes him (and the whole family) to the Amazon rain forest. Hopefully he has plenty of marmalade sandwiches!

Paddington in Peru premieres February 14 and stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, and Madeleine Harris.

The Unbreakable Boy — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Lionsgate

In this new movie, Jacob Laval is a joyful boy with autism and brittle bone disease who makes everything around him more beautiful. This is the perfect encouraging movie to see with the family this winter, but you might want to bring some tissues!

The Unbreakable Boy premieres February 21 and stars Austin LeRette, Meghann Fahy, Zachary Levi, Patricia Heaton, and Gavin Warren.

Cleaner — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Quiver Distribution

When a group of radical activists take over an energy company's gala (and take 300 hostages), their mission takes a turn for the worse when one member takes things to the extreme. Now it's up to a soldier-turned-window cleaner literally hanging out outside the building to save everyone inside.

Cleaners hits theaters February 21 and stars Daisy Ridley, Taz Skylar, and Clive Owen.

Old Guy — In Theaters February 21

The Avenue

An older hitman is not happy about training a younger guy to take his place, but when they learn their employer set them up, they wind up becoming allies instead.

Old Guy premieres February 21 and stars Christoph Waltz, Cooper Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Ryan McParland, Ann Akinjirin, Jason Done, Tony Hirst, Kate Katzman, Conor Mullen, and Rory Mullen.

The Monkey — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Neon

Twins Hal and Bill grew apart after they found an old monkey toy that belonged to their father and people around them started dying. But now that the deaths have begun again, they reunite to protect their loved ones and destroy the monkey once and for all.

The Monkey hits theaters February 21 and stars Osgood Perkins, Theo James, Elijah Wood, James Wan, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Laura Mennell, and Sarah Levy.

Last Breath — In Theaters February 28, 2025

Focus FeaturesLast Breath — In Theaters February 28, 2025

When diver Chris Lemons becomes untethered 100 meters underwater, Duncon Allcock and David Yuasa have to figure out how to rescue him — if they can even find him. Yep, I'm getting anxious just thinking about this!

Last Breath premieres February 28 and stars stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis and Djimon Hounsou.

Which new movie will you be watching this February? Don't forget to catch up on the best January movies too!

The hottest bag trends for 2025 are here, and they’re quick to make a bold statement in every shape, size, and color. This year’s bag styles are already super exciting, ranging from retro to modern – plus, they’re pretty much wearable for any occasion.

Find a bag that truly matches your vibe with these top 6 bag trends for 2025!

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Suede Fringe Hobo Sling Bag

1. Fringe-y Bags

Fringe is just plain fun. Echoing the popularity of the ever-Western cowboy boot trend from 2024 (and also carrying a bit of retro flair), this bag trend definitely has enough detail to get heads turning your way.

Time Resistance

Time Resistance Little Dorrit Leather Barrel Bag

2. Doctor Bags

Also known as medicine bags, doctor bags literally recall the bags doctors would take with them to make house calls. They're gonna be super popular in 2025, so get to shoppin' with this adorable green design. Similar bag styles to look out for include satchel and duffle bags.

Madewell

Madewell The Essential Medium Bucket Tote

3. Bucket Bags

Bucket bags will continue to be a huge hit in 2025. Not only are they cute, they're also practical, thanks to their larger size. This pick from Madewell could easily fit any and every essential you need for the workday – laptop included.

Free People

Free People Movement Quilted Carryall Bag

4. Puffy Bags

Things are about to get... puffy. Texture of any kind will instantly draw eyes to your outfit, but there's something so unique about the up-and-coming puffy bag! Typically, you'd find this pattern on a down coat or puffer jacket, so it's familiar enough that you won't feel overly wacky wearing this bag trend.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag

5. Slouchy Bags

Slouchy bags are also on the rise for 2025. Plus, the larger, the better! You can find slouchy bags in all kinds of fabrications, so you're sure to find one that speaks to your personal style and daily toting needs. This black leather one will wear well with any ensemble.

Quince

Quince Italian Suede Slouchy Shoulder Bag

6. Suede Bags

Suede is truly timeless. The material is about to be everywhere this year – garments, shoes, and even bags will be decked out in it. Try out the trend with a sophisticated style like this one from Quince!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more of the hottest 2025 fashion trends!

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