How To Cook Winter Squash The Easy Way
Winter squash is one of the most versatile vegetables in a homestead kitchen because you can prepare is as a delicious side dish or let it take center stage as a main dish. The cooking method that I’m sharing is the easiest way to cook it, and the one we use most often. It’s perfect as a simple side dish or you can turn it into pureed squash for soups and desserts.
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Equipment
- baking sheet or baking dish
- sharp knife
- cutting board
- foil or parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- whole winter squash
- salt
- olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Rinse squash to remove any dust or dirt.
- Cut the ends off of squash.
- Slice the squash lengthwise.
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper if desired.
- Drizzle the pan with oil.
- Sprinkle salt on the inside of the squash.
- Arrange squash sections skin side up in the baking dish.
- Bake for about an hour, or until you can easily pierce the skin with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Prepare as a side dish or purée,
Notes
The size of your squash will determine how you cut it. If the squash is small you can easily slice it lengthwise on a cutting board. Some of the bigger varieties require cutting off the neck of the squash from the bulbous end, and then slicing each of those separately. Try to cut the curved pieces so they lay as flat as possible.
Optional: You can add a pat of butter under the halves with the seed cavity.
