Winter Squash Recipes

However, after taking a Japanese cooking class four years ago, not only was I introduced to Kabocha squash, but my instructor, a petite, sweet woman, also taught our class a few tricks that I was able to use right away.  Now I feel comfortable preparing almost any variety of winter squash I find.

Winter squashes are excellent sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and manganese. Kabocha squash, one of my favorites, is similar in taste and texture to buttercup and butternut squash. Its orange flesh is dense, sweet and creamy, almost like a mix between pumpkin and sweet potato. I’ve used Kabocha, buttercup and butternut squash interchangeably in recipes.

Recently, I put together a dinner from soup to dessert using Kabocha squash.You can substitute buttercup or butternut squash if you wish (Kabocha is a little sweeter than these other two varieties).

Here’s how I was taught to prepare winter squash, along with recipes for Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup with Lemongrass, Japanese Style Kabocha with Meat Sauce, and Thai Black Sweet Rice with Kabocha Cream.

How to prepare Winter Squash:

1. Cut squash in half.

Use a sharp knife

2.  Put squash halves in microwave for 2 minutes to make it easier to cut and peel.

3. Use spoon to scoop out seeds and any stringy filling.

4. sharp knife to cut squash into wedges.

Cut squash into wedges to make peeling easier

5.Slice peel off.

Japanese Style Kabocha Squash with Meat Sauce

Japanese Style Kabocha Squash with Meat Sauce

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or other flavorless oil
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
½ pound ground turkey or chicken
3 cups Kabocha squash, peel and seeds removed, and cut into 1” pieces
1 ¼ cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon organic sugar
1 tablespoon organic mirin
1 scallion, chopped

Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add ginger and stir for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until done, breaking up pieces.  Drain excess  liquid.  Add Kabocha squash, water, soy sauce, sugar and mirin.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 10-15 minute, until Kabocha squash is just tender. Stir in scallion just before serving.

Thai Black Sweet Rice with Kabocha Cream

This recipe combines two popular Thai desserts into one.  Traditionally, white sweet rice is served with fresh mango.  Here I use black sweet rice, which is a whole grain.  The creamy Kabocha squash topping is usually served as a standalone dessert.I’ve used it to top the chewy black sticky rice.

Thai Black Sweet Rice with Kabocha Cream

1 cup black sweet rice (the rice is not actually sweet, but it has a stickier consistency than regular rice)
One ½” piece ginger, sliced
1 disk palm sugar, or more to taste, cut into slivers with a sharp knife
2 cups water
2 cups light coconut milk, divided
1 cup Kabocha squash, peel and seeds removed, and cut into ½” pieces
pinch of Kosher salt
fresh mint, for garnish

Soaking black sweet rice (water will turn purple color)

Soak black sweet rice in water overnight,covering the rice with 2” of water. The water will have a purplish color.  Rinse thoroughly and drain, removing any small stones.

Place rice in a saucepan with ginger slices,½ the palm sugar, and water.  Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, and cook, covered for 30 minutes.  Turn heat off, and let sit 10 minutes longer.  Stir in ½ cup of the coconut milk.

Meanwhile, heat 1 ½ cups coconut milk, remaining palm sugar, and salt in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add Kabocha squash and cook on medium-low for 8-10 minutes, until just tender.

To serve, spoon rice into serving dish.  Spoon some creamy Kabocha squash and coconut sauce on top.  Garnish with fresh mint.

More Kabocha Squash Recipes:
Champuru’s Japanese Style Simmered Kabocha