Bring some summer sunshine into your life with the vibrant orange flesh of winter squash like kabocha or acorn! A touch of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese and herbs easily turns them into a simple but tasty side dish.
I recently learned that squash could be boiled. Whole. In their entirety. Having never heard of this method before I laughed out loud at the image forming in my mind. A giant vat of sputtering water with a giant squash in it. To me, roasting is king.
Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars bringing out their best qualities in a way I don’t think boiling can compete with. You know I have to test this new method now. I hope I don’t end up eating my words.
You can use just about any herb here – thyme, sage and oregano – dried or fresh – whatever you like or have on hand. I happened to have a lovely bunch of dried Greek oregano waiting in the wings for the right opportunity.
In the fall and winter squash is one of my first loves. I never leave the market without at least one of them in my possession. . .
That’s an outright lie. Most times two or three go home with me. I roast them up and proceed to eat them for every single meal and all the times in between. This was reheated with eggs for breakfast, tossed in a salad for lunch and finished up with a rotisserie chicken for dinner. You just can’t go wrong.
Now I’m off to boil a spaghetti squash. . . where did I store that giant cauldron after Halloween?!
Wish me luck.
A touch of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese and herbs easily turns winter squash into a simple but tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the squash cut side up on a large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the heavy cream and herbs among each one.
- Bake until squash is tender - test by piercing with the tip of a knife or a fork - about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and lightly golden 10 - 15 minutes more.
- To serve drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
Adapted from Martha Stewart
That’s madness! Lol, I have never heard of boiling a whole squash. I surely need to experiment with it at least once. Right after roasting up a batch of this stuff… yum! Parm and squash is one of my fave combos!
heather@girlichef recently posted..Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup w/ Toasted Walnuts, Honey, & Truffle Oil {12 Weeks of Winter Squash}
It would have to be a pretty big pot to boil that spaghetti squash, now you HAVE to report back how that worked! I agree roasting squash is the best way. Even just a simple recipe, roasted with butter or coconut oil and a little coconut sugar, mmmm. I have a basket of various winter squash on the floor in the kitchen, there are enough of them that they were cluttering up the counter a bit too much! I couldn’t resist stocking up when they were on sale, they will last.
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..White Whole Wheat Ciabatta
I haven’t tried it yet Mary but I’ll let you know what happens!
Reeni! Happy New Year. A recipe like this coincides with my resolution to eat more veggies! I simply love roasted squash and must add some parm to it next time. :) The bright orange will bring some color to my dreary January days.
sally @ sallys baking addiction recently posted..skinny strawberry chocolate chip muffins.
Happy New Year Sally! I missed you.