Acorn squash without turning the oven on?
Some rogue squash plants appeared in my garden this spring, and I let them grow in the hopes that they would turn out to be patty-pan or zucchini. Sadly, I now find myself with a boatload of acorn squash. All the recipes I can think of (or find on Google) involve baking or roasting it. Short of putting all these squashes in my basement for four months until the weather cools down, what can I do with them that doesn't involve the oven?
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I also microwave acorn squash, but with a slightly lazier method. Rather than cutting the squash in half initially, I poke it once with a large fork or knife, and then microwave on high for 5 minutes. At this point, it will be very easy to cut into halves. Scoop out the seeds, add a bit of butter and brown sugar to the cavity, and cook on high for an additional 2 minutes. If the flesh isn't soft, do another 2 minutes as necessary until it reached the softness you prefer. Being very lazy, I serve this as is rather than scooping out the flesh. You can customize by changing the butter/brown sugar to anything that sounds appealing such as bread stuffing, other vegetables, browned sausage, various sauces, even mini marshmallows.
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re: dhaven
I have also done this "lazy" method of poking it with a knife and microwaving until soft. I like to scoop out the flesh and puree it in my food processor then freeze for later use. The puree is a nice addition to many dishes (i.e. macaroni & cheese, etc.) to add a veggie vitamin boost or for a side dish: bake the puree with a topping of butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
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greygarious
Jul 25, 2012 04:02 PM
In my experience, winter squash benefit from storage for at least a couple of months, developing more flavor. I would not be in any rush to cook them. Let them grow to at least 5" diameter, then let them nap in a cool, dark spot till the trees turn colors.
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re: travelmad478
greygarious
Jul 25, 2012 05:13 PM
Make sure the area is not damp and they should keep nearly till spring.
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"Sadly"??????? Acorn squash is delicious steamed.
You can steam the whole squash over boiling water until it is soft enough to cut.
Or you can hack it in half raw and steam the halves.You can also use the pressure cooker.
Steamed squash is delilcious and works especially well in purees with butter or olive oil and some sweetner if needed. -
biondanonima
Jul 25, 2012 11:37 AM
You can cut it into cubes and cook it in stock until tender, then puree for soup (changing the seasonings and other ingredients as you desire). You can also steam-saute it (put it in a pan with some oil and a bit of water, turn on the heat and put on a lid - let it cook until the water is gone and the squash is soft, then allow it to brown a bit in the oil).
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I started steaming squash in the microwave a few years ago, and haven't cooked it in the oven since! Just cut them in half, remove the seeds, place open side down in a shallow dish with a little water in it and cover with plastic wrap (leaving just a small opening for steam to escape). 6-8 minutes (or even less) should be plenty for acorn squash, but it's pretty hard to over cook them.
I'll do a large squash for about 10 minutes in the microwave while I'm preparing the rest of the meal. It will stay hot in for quite some time - very quick and easy side dish! When it's done, scoop out the flesh and season as you wish.
