Winner, Winter Squash for Dinner

Holly Faivre

Winter squash – those goofy shaped vegetables that may be confused for an autumn decoration. Although they do act as a fun, rustic centerpiece, winter squash are a tremendously versatile, healthy, easy to prepare, and economical vegetable that every home cook should use in their fall and winter dishes!

The beauty of squash, other than its brilliant orange and yellow hues, is that it knows no bounds – the culinary possibilities are endless! There are many different types of winter squash – acorn, butternut, spaghetti, delicata – and there are even more subtypes among these general categories. Squash is incredibly versatile because its mild sweetness allows it to pair well with most flavors. Squash can be added into sauces and soups as a puree to thicken and add flavor, or the squash can be the star of the dish. Squash can also be a component and/or a fat substitute in baked goods such as breads, muffins, and biscuits. Squash also makes a delicious ravioli and lasagna filling for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The flesh of a spaghetti squash is different from other squash – it peels away in long thin spaghetti-like strands.

Regardless of the type of winter squash, two things hold true - it will be delicious and nutritious because they are packed full of Vitamin A and fiber. Vitamin A supports the immune system which is especially important in these chilly fall and winter months as cold and flu season are upon us. Vitamin A also plays a crucial role in the health of eyes! The fiber in winter squash plays a role in heart health and intestinal health. In fact, just one cup of cubed butternut squash provides 7 grams of fiber - that's 25% of the daily value!

A delicious and wholesome vegetable is no good to the home cook if he or she is not familiar with preparation methods. Fortunately, winter squash are fast and easy to prepare. This is a vegetable that can be put in the oven and practically forgotten about until the timer buzzes.

1. Cut the squash into equal halves so that the middle cavity is being split in half. This means the cut will start at the top by the stem.
2. Scoop out the seeds and “guts”
3. Add oil and spices to flesh - cinnamon, curry, chili, garlic, and allspice go great with squash but roasting it with salt and pepper is just as good!
4. Place the squash halves cavity-side-up on a baking sheet and roast at 400F until thesquash is fork tender (30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash). Depending on how firm or soft you want your end product to be, adjust the cooking time up or down.
5. Let the squash cool slightly so they you can peel off the skin
6. Use the squash as needed - mash, puree, slice, cube, etc.

Before preparing the squash, take this into consideration: winter squash are hard and dense (imagine pumpkin carving..) and they have rounded edges. To avoid injury, it is essential to use a sharp knife and prevent the squash from rolling around the cutting board. Helpful tip: roll up a kitchen towel and form it into a circle so that the squash is resting in a nest; this prevents the squash from rolling around.

In addition to their versatility and easy preparation, winter squash are also very affordable. They are an excellent addition to the grocery list when one is on a budget because they are inexpensive and have a long shelf life. The average price of a winter squash is $0.90 per pound. A winter squash will generally weigh between 1 and 3 pounds so the price will fall between $1 and $3 for a squash. Once the squash has been prepared, it will yield four one-half cup servings per pound of squash! One small squash could easily provide as the vegetable component of a meal  for a family of four.  Another economical aspect of winter squash is that they can be stored whole in a cool dark place for up to 3 months. Stocking up on winter squash is a practical idea because they can be enjoyed in the spring when squash is no longer in season.

Tis the season of squash eating – don't be afraid to tackle this peculiar, somewhat intimidating, vegetable. Winter squash are an easy to prepare vegetable that offer endless opportunities for creativity in the kitchen. This weekend, head to a favorite farmer's market or grocery store to pick up a few varieties and embrace the taste of fall and winter.