Ingredient Profile: Get Your Squash On! by Kathryn Steed
Acorn, butternut and spaghetti, oh my! Winter squash is a seasonal
ingredient that has taken our Recipes by storm! Find out about our favorite
squash dishes, tips and more!
Health Benefits of Squash
The colorful flesh of squash means its rich in carotenes which helps protect
against many kinds of cancer, particularly lung cancer. Most winter squash
are also rich in vitamins C, B1, B6 and folic acid. Squash often contain
healthy doses of niacin as well.
According to Nutrition Data, 1 cup of winter squash cooked or baked
without salt contains 82 calories, 0 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, 8 mg sodium
and 2 g protein.
Selecting Squash
“Choose squash that are firm and fairly heavy for their size, otherwise they
may be dry and cottony inside. Look for squash that have bright, glossy
exteriors. Avoid buying squash that have nicks or bruises on their skins or
ones that have soft spots.” – Zhion.com
Varieties of Squash
From acorn to butternut, squash comes in all sorts of winter species that
find their way into our cuisine.
Acorn Squash
One of the smaller squash species, this round, acorn-shaped squash is
typically both green and orange in its exterior. It’s skin has longitudinal
ridges and its flesh is orange (and known for being very sweet!) Bake it up
in a casserole or puree it for some delicious acorn squash Soup!
Acorn Squash Recipe Ideas:
Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apple Couscous
Baked Acorn Squash with Caramelized Apples, Pecans and Onions
Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
Roasted Acorn Squash and Pear Bisque with Chorizo and Fried Squash
Chips
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Butternut Squash
Marked by a tall neck and a pear-like shape, the butternut squash is
perhaps the most popular type of squash (next to the pumpkin). It’s
versatile flesh is great for making Soups, pies, breads, and even risotto!
Add it to stir frys, stews and more to warm you up in these cold months.
Butternut Squash Recipe Ideas:
Thick and Hearty Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash and Sweet Apples
Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron and Sage
Butternut Squash Bread
Butternut Squash and Green Beans with Maple Syrup
Find more here: The Best Butternut Squash Recipes!
Spaghetti Squash
With a stringy flesh, this squash type is green on the outside but
resembles spaghetti on the inside. Soft and yellow in color, the flesh can be
used to emulate noodles in certain dishes and preparations.
Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ideas:
Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and Herbs
Spaghetti Squash and Vegetables Gratin
Cozy Spaghetti Squash with Cannelini Beans
Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Mozzarella
Spicy Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Skillet
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is perhaps the most popular form of squash that some think it has
its own category and it’s not really a squash. However, this round orange
squash with a large stem in the center is indeed a squash. It can come in
many different sizes from tiny decorative pumpkins to large edible
pumpkins that are used to make pumpkin puree. From pies to stews,
pumpkin puree is versatile too!
Pumpkin Recipe Ideas:
Pumpkin Stew
Pumpkin Pie with Dark Chocolate Frosting
Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Custard
Baked Pumpkin Casserole
More Winter Squash
Other popular winter squash include Hubbard, buttercup and ambercup
squash. Check out how you can utilize these tasty veggies!
Squash Recipe Ideas:
Squash Ginger Soup
Squash Gnocchi with Marjoram
Squash Corn Bread
Squash Dressing
Cheesy Squash Casserole
About the Author
Kathryn Steed is a writer and editor for Recipe4Living.com, an ever-growing recipe sharing website. For more articles like this, or for a large collection of recipes, visit the site as http://www.Recipe4Living.com.
Julie’s Soft And Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies