What To Do With All That Squash!

“What do I do with this big squash?”

A common question that we get from CSA members after a few weeks of fall squash distribution.

And I understand. Sometimes I can look at a pile of uncooked/unprocessed veggies… like squash… and feel at a loss, too.

Ugh! I only have so much time and creativity!

So one thing that helps me a ton is to just get the stuff cooked and into the fridge.

What?

Yes! Having a fridge full of cooked veggies is like gold to me.

Because when mealtime rolls around I can quickly prep up a veggie dish rather than completely starting from scratch.

And one of the veggies I like to have cooked and in my fridge the MOST is winter squash.

Winter squash, any kind really, is a versatile veggie that shines in so many ways in the kitchen. Especially when you cook it this easy way.

My easy way to cook ANY KIND of winter squash

I literally cook ALMOST ALL my squash like this because it is so easy and forgiving and I just want it for its flesh anyway.  

Put this in the oven when you're doing dishes or preparing another meal and you'll be multitasking towards another veggie-focused meal at the same time!

1. Cut your squash in half lengthwise.
2. Scoop out the seeds.
3. Lay facedown in a baking dish.
4. Add ½” water to the dish.*
5. Roast at 375-400 until a knife easily pierces through the flesh.
6. Remove from oven, drain off water, turn right side up, and let cool.
7. Scoop out flesh from skin.
8. Store in a lidded container in the fridge until ready to use.

*If you’re going to serve it straight from the oven you could skip the water part of this recipe, and instead grease your baking pan.

How to freeze ANY KIND of winter squash

If you’ve cooked a whole batch and can’t get to it all, freezing is a great option to save some for later. Here’s how:

1. Cook your squash using the easy method above, remove the flesh, and let cool.
2. Put your squash flesh into a freezer container of your choice (freezer bags or plastic containers work well).
3. Label and freeze.

To use, simply thaw out your squash flesh and use in any of the recipes below or your own!

What to do with ANY KIND of squash after it’s cooked

Here are our family favorites!  These recipes are ones we make all the time during winter squash season... fall through winter.  Check them out below and you'll see how having the cooked squash in the fridge enables making these recipes SO much easier!

Curried Coconut Squash Soup

This is our favorite, go-to squash soup recipe.  I know it by heart.  I make it that often.

• 4 cups cooked winter squash flesh
• 2 tbls butter
• 1 cup onion or 1/2 cup shallot, chopped
• 1 tbls curry powder
• 1 14oz can of coconut milk
• 2 cups chicken stock (or water)
• Salt to taste

Heat the butter in a 4 quart pot and sauté the onion, stirring frequently. When the onion is soft, add the curry powder and stir for 30 seconds. Add the coconut milk and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Scoop the flesh out of the cooked squash skins and add it to the soup. Stir or blend it in, salt to taste, and serve.

Winter Squash Mac and Cheese

• 8-12 oz macaroni, cooked until al dente, drained
• 2-4 cups cooked winter squash
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 6 TBLS butter
• 2 TBLS flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• breadcrumbs and additional cheese to top (optional)

In large skillet, sauté onions in 2 TBLS butter until golden brown, stirring to prevent sticking.  Remove.  Melt 4 TBLS butter, add flour, and stir into paste.  Add milk and whisk 2 min.  Add salt and pepper.  Add squash and cheese and mix until combined into a sauce.  Stir in macaroni.  Top with optional breadcrumbs/cheese.  Bake at 400 to warm through, 20 min.

Winter Squash Puffy Casserole

This is a surprisingly elegant casserole perfect for guests as well as causal dinners with your family.  Makes a delicious twist on plain squash!

• 3 cups cooked winter squash flesh
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-4 tablespoons melted butter

Puree all ingredients. Put in baking dish. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes

Got kids?  Here are a couple kid-friendly ANY KIND winter squash recipes that are well loved at our house

Feel free to add additional spices to these as you wish or have on hand.  They're very flexible and can be adapted to any taste!

Farmer Gene’s Grain-Free Squash Pancakes

Once you learn the consistency you like to make these pancakes, they’re easy and delicious for breakfasts!  Thinner batter and smaller pancakes yield a crispier result, whereas thicker batter and larger pancakes make for a fluffier outcome.  These are Farmer Gene's specialty breakfast item during squash season.

• Squash flesh
• nut butter of choice
• eggs
• salt and pepper
• cooking oil

Mix or blend together squash, nut butter, and eggs at a ratio of 1 cup squash, 1/4 cup nut butter, and 1-3 eggs.  Then add salt and pepper to taste.  You will need more eggs when using a dry squash like buttercup than when using a moister squash like Delicata.  You want a pancake batter consistency that is liquid enough to pour.  Not a thick batter that plops off a spoon.  Heat oil in a skillet or griddle over medium heat and spoon on the batter in 1-2 TBLS amounts.  Cook for a couple minutes per side until golden brown.  Serve with butter and sour cream for a savory option or maple syrup for a sweet treat!

Winter Squash Mini Souffles

• 3 eggs, whisked
• 1 cup squash flesh, pureed
• cinnamon, to taste
• salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Mix until smooth.  Spoon into oiled muffin tin (or use non-stick).  Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees, or until centers have puffed up and set.  They'll flatten slightly after cooling.  

Can be eaten right away or refrigerated and are good cold as a snack.

What are your favorite recipes for cooked winter squash?

I’m curious, so please reply and let me know!