How To Cook Squash
If you take the time to learn how to cook squash, you will be in for a real treat. The word “squash” comes from the Native Americans’ word “askutasquash”. If you translate it literally, it means “a green thing eaten raw”. The Native Americans who named the squash were located in the area that is now Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
The squash is a very versatile vegetable. Some do need to be cooked, but some others can be prepared in many different ways: raw, freeze-dried, microwaved, fried, baked, broiled, steamed, grilled and sautéed. You can also add certain types of squash to dinner dishes to spice them up: grilled on skewers, cubes, added to rice pilafs and pureed for breads, pies, cakes and soups. They can even be used in famous dishes like pumpkin pie and ratatouille. It doesn’t take long to learn how to cook squash, because there are so many ways in which it can be done. You’re bound to find one way that works for you.
Even though it is commonly grouped with vegetables, the squash is actually a fruit. They aren’t sweet, and thus they are generally used more like vegetables. Fruits have seeds on the inside by their definition, and tomatoes and squash both qualify.
Whether you’re an accomplished chef, or just learning how to cook squash, here are some common ways to prepare it: As a side dish or a main course, fried squash, like zucchini, makes an interesting and colorful meal. You can serve a slice of turban or hubbard squash as a first course, embellished with sage and cheese, or butter.
Squash make an excellent addition to casseroles, pilafs and soups. American squash in risotto is now a favorite all over the world, and it started right here. Similarly, you can think of different ways of how to cook squash and include it in dishes like pasta and rice entrees.
Although we often hear about zucchini and pumpkin used in desserts and breads, there are other varieties of squash that can be used in them as well. Any winter squash can be used to make a delectable filling for a pie. And summer squash can be grated and included in your favorite bread or cake batter recipes. And how surprised would your dinner guests be if you serve them Cinderella squash chocolate chip cookies? They’re a delicious and different-tasting treat.
If it’s too warm to think about cooking, you can use summer squash types to brighten up your dinners. Add them to your gazpacho, and shred or chop them for snacks or salads. Cucumbers work well in “blender soup”, which entails pureeing them with dill, garlic and yogurt. Cucumber in thin slices also make a wrapper for sushi rolls.
You can learn how to cook squash and use them in custards, cheesecake, pudding, oatmeal, waffles, pancakes or soufflés. There is nothing you can’t do with the right squash!