Learning to cook acorn squash can be challenging, especially if you don't know where to start. The drier flesh and the hard-to-cut skin acorn squash are a favorite dinner for many families. While delicious, it's hard to know what steps to take to prepare them with seasoning and fillings.
One of the unique things about acorn squash is that it's considered a winter squash. Indigenous peoples loved winter quash because it would last a long time throughout the year. Today, it's one of the most diverse vegetables for cooking. You can cook it by steaming, baking, broiling, roasting, stuffing, and more. Learning the different ways of cooking can give you more idea of how to prepare acorn squash.
This guide uncovers everything you need to know about acorn squash. We will show you a step-by-step recipe for how to make it. We also offer suggestions on diversifying the recipe and making it your own. Lastly, we show the common mistakes when making acorn squash and how you can avoid those same mistakes.
How to Cook Acorn Squash: The Basics
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If you've never cooked acorn squash, reviewing the basics of what you're getting into is essential. First, you must remove the seeds inside when cutting into it. You must remove the stringy center and seeds before preparing it.
As you prepare to cut into it, you want to start your cut from the top of the acorn squash, not the middle. You can also soften the acorn squash by microwaving it for a minute so it's easier to carve into.
You must remove the seeds and fibers when you bake, steam, or broil the acorn squash. You can also remove the seeds and bake them as a snack. They have a unique, nutty flavor to them.
The Baking and Microwave Methods
One of the best ways to cook acorn squash is to cut it in half and put it on a baking sheet. Bake them at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. One of the things to look for to see if it's ready is the tenderness of the squash.
When baking, you can apply different spices that give your acorn squash different flavors. Here are the most common herbs to try on this winter squash.
- Rosemary, sage, thyme, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg,
- Maple syrup, honey, sugar, and brown sugar
- Beef, sausage, bacon, pecans, walnuts, rice, and pasta.
When you're baking it, you may also see browning on the edges of the acorn squash, which means it's ready.
If you microwave it, place your acorn squash on high for 13 minutes. Avoid adding water to it when microwaving. This process can be more straightforward, but it probably won't have the same crispiness as in the oven.
While baking or microwaving offers a straightforward process to cooking your acorn squash, you'll also find endless other opportunities to make different recipes. Here's a list of different recipes to make with acorn squash:
- Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn squash
- Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
- Easy Roasted Acorn Squash
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes when cooking acorn squash is improperly cutting it. If you have a dull knife, you could find it difficult to cut, or you won't have an even cut across it. Make sure you have a sharpened knife before cutting acorn squash.
Another mistake to avoid is throwing the seeds away. If you want delicious, nutty seeds, you should consider baking these seeds in the oven as a snack. You should also look out for rotten acorn squash at your local store. It typically means it's past its prime if it's too squishy.
A good and healthy acorn squash typically looks and feels firm. It also feels relatively heavy compared to rotting acorn squash.
Health Benefits of Acorn Squash
You'll get the best health benefits when you learn how to cook acorn squash. You'll enjoy the rich antioxidants it offers that help reduce the risk of a stroke and cancer.
Here are the best health benefits you get from eating acorn squash.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamins B1 & B6
- Beta-carotene
- Calcium
- Copper
How to Cook Acorn Squash: The Steps to Take
There's nothing tastier and healthier than acorn squash for dinner. Following this recipe can give you a better idea of how to get started with acorn squash.
You'll also have a better idea of what mistakes to avoid when you're making acorn squash. When you make acorn squash, you'll also discover numerous health benefits. Learning how to make this divine winter squash offers endless tasty dinner options.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©alisafarov/Shutterstock.com.