Total time: 32 min • Prep: 20 min • Cook: 12 min • Serves: 6 • Difficulty: Easy

Mashed root vegetables offer a flavor-filled change of pace from plain mashed potatoes. In this recipe, dense roots such as carrots and turnips complement classic potatoes, and butternut squash lends the mashers slight sweetness and a softer texture. This rustic vegetable purée is pretty on the plate, too. Serve it alongside roasted meats or an herb-crusted whole chicken. Or make it the base of a deliciously rich vegetable bowl layered with sautéed greens such as spinach or baby broccoli, topped with toasted sesame seeds or pine nuts and a few curls of shaved parmesan cheese.