Winter Squash Recipes ♥ Alphabet of Vegetables That's "Pumpkin" for the Brit, Aussie & Kiwi Visitors

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WINTER SQUASH: THE BASICS
Pronounced [skwawsh]. In Britain, Australia and New Zealand, winter squash are called "pumpkin". (Some sources say that "pumpkin" is also used in Britain but a British reader corrected that notion, says that "pumpkin" applies only to the round jack'o'lantern-style pumpkins.) Common varieties include acorn squash, butternut squash, delicata squash and spaghetti squash. At a good farmers market, you might find colorful hubbard squash, buttercup squash and red kuri squash. Look especially for kabocha squash, it's great for making Homemade "Pumpkin" Purée; commercial pumpkin purée is made with calabaza squash.

The Season. Winter Squash are harvested in late summer and early fall. There are many varieties but the most common winter squash are acorn squash, butternut squash, delicata squash and spaghetti squash. In the fall, supermarkets display mounds of the colorful, shapely squashes, so pretty!

Winter Squash vs Summer Squash. Mostly, winter squash have tough, inedible skins; this means that when stored properly in a cool, dark place, they will keep through the winter. Winter squash are nearly always cooked before eating, the flesh is quite sweet, starchy and dense. In contrast, "summer squash" like zucchini and yellow squash are not sweet and have tender, edible skins; they spoil quickly and thus must be eaten during the summer growing season. Summer squash can be cooked but is often eaten raw.

The Skins Are All Inedible, Right? Wrong. The delicata squash, which is considered a winter squash, has skin which once roasted is tender enough to eat. But right, with that one exception, the skins of winter squash are inedible, at least for humans. Our resident wood chuck seems to love them in the compost pile!

How to Select Winter Squash. Look for firm squash with few skin blemishes and no signs of softness or deterioration around the stem and blossom ends. Be sure to wash winter squash before cutting into them. Even though you won't eat the skin, you don't want the knife to carry any nasty stuff on the skin into the edible interior.

Winter Squash in the Garden. In 2014, we grew butternut squash for the first time. The squash flowers were beautiful, the squashes were amazing to watch grow day-by-day. But once cooked, they were pale and pallid, without much flavor and you can imagine, we were much disappointed. I suspect we harvested them too early. Next year, we'll try again but if any experienced gardeners have tips to offer, we'd sure love to hear them, especially for Zone 6.

UPDATE In Fact, Ripening Time Does Matter! It depends on how much starch the squash contains. Those with low starch (think delicata squash and acorn squash) should be eaten quite soon after being harvested, they just don't keep well. In contrast, butternut squash actually improve (and further sweeten) after harvest.

Natural Pairings. Botanically, winter squash are "fruits"! And because they are quite sweet, winter squashes pair beautifully with fruit, both fresh and dried. Winter squash are often paired with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, curry and cloves and savory spices like cumin, rosemary, sage and thyme; creamy creamy substances like goat cheese, ricotta and coconut milk; fruits like apple and orange.

Special Diets. Winter squash are gluten-free, paleo approved, South Beach diet approved (Phase 2), Weight Watchers friendly and Whole30 approved. Naturally, specific preparations matter to each of these eating regimens.

Sources. Personal experience and accumulated learning, also several reference books (all affiliate links, please see My Disclosure Promise). The sources are the most-wonderful On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen by Harold McGee, Vegetable Love by the late Barbara Kafka, The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg and NPR: Don't Squander That Squash: Like Fine Wine, It Might Improve With Age.

OTHER FAVORITE FORMS of WINTER SQUASH
Pumpkins are not winter squash, the two are kind of like, well, let's call them "cousins". But winter squash and pumpkin can easily be substitutes for one another so you might want to check out either my Favorite Pumpkin Recipes or all the sweet-to-savory Pumpkin Recipes!

WINTER SQUASH NUTRITION INFORMATION

Per 1/4 pound uncooked butternut squash: 51 Calories; 0g Tot Fat; 0g Sat Fat; 0mg Cholesterol; 5mg Sodium; 13g Carb; 2g Fiber; 2g Sugar; 1g Protein. WEIGHT WATCHERS Old Points 1 & PointsPlus 2 & SmartPoints 2 & Freestyle 0 & myWW green 0 & blue 0 & purple 0 More Vegetable Nutrition & Weight Watchers Points for Vegetables

What's your favorite winter squash and how do you like to cook it? or what winter squash recipe did you hope to find here? I'm always looking for new ones, especially healthy winter squash recipes. Leave me a quick note in the comments or via recipes@kitchen-parade.com! ~Alanna

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HEY, WINTER SQUASH LOVERS! WHAT SOUNDS GOOD?
~ A Few Highlights ~

WATCH FOR THE "LITTLE POT" Recipes followed by a "little pot" icon like this call for cooked squash, good reason to roast extra. Here's my favorite way to roast a butternut squash. Once the squash is roasted, it often only takes a few minutes to throw together a delicious dish.

Winter Squash: BASIC HOW-TO TIPS & TECHNIQUES
How to Cut, Peel & Cube a Butternut Squash and Keep All Ten Fingers ♥ (with step-by-step photos)

How to roast a whole butternut squash (my personal favorite)
How to roast butternut squash halves
How to make "pumpkin" purée with kabocha squash
How to roast a whole spaghetti squash
How to steam butternut squash in a collapsible basket
How to cook acorn squash in the microwave
How to roast acorn squash in the oven

RULES of THUMB
For every pound of butternut squash, the yield is about 1.5 cups of roasted squash, about 300g.
Roast squash "face down" (cut-side down) when you want little caramelization, just pure roasted squash and "face up" (cut-side up) when you want crispy roasted edges or to contain, say, a buttery-syrup mixture.

RECIPE COLLECTIONS
A Veggie Venture & Kitchen Parade recipes
My Favorite Winter Squash Recipes (with photos & links to recipes) ♥
Winter Squash Recipes for Thanksgiving ♥

NEW to Winter Squash? TRY THESE FIRST
Kitchen Parade recipes
Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Acorn Squash with Mustard & Honey ♥
Butternut Squash with Maple Glaze ♥

READER FAVORITES!
Kitchen Parade recipes
Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple ♥
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato (or Pumpkin or Butternut Squash) Grits ♥
Squash Puff ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Spaghetti Squash ♥
Butternut Mac 'n' Cheese ♥
Butternut Squash Soup with Mango & Toasted Coconut ♥
Savory Bread Pudding with Butternut Squash, Chard & Cheddar ♥
Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash Tagine ♥

FALL'S FAVORITE Golden-Hued Butternut Squash Soup
A Veggie Venture recipes
Butternut Squash Soup that Actually Tastes Like Butternut Squash ♥
Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Pear & Coconut ♥
Butternut Squash Soup with Mango & Toasted Coconut ♥

Winter Squash Recipes for THANKGIVING
Kitchen Parade recipes
Squash Puff ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Butternut Mac 'n' Cheese ♥
Mashed Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes ♥
Savory Bread Pudding with Butternut Squash, Chard & Cheddar ♥

FAVORITE SIMPLE SEASONAL SUPPERS
Winter Winter Stew ♥
Spring Squash & Carrot Stew ♥
Summer Simple Lentil Salad with Seasonal Vegetables ♥
Fall Chicken or Turkey & Wild Rice Soup ♥

BEST Winter Squash Recipes for MEATLESS MONDAY
Kitchen Parade recipes
Acorn Squash with Quinoa & Cherries ♥
Slow Cooker Curried Vegetable Stew ♥
Squash & Carrot Stew ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes

BEST Winter Squash Recipes for WEIGHT WATCHERS
Kitchen Parade recipes
Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple ♥
Squash & Carrot Stew ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Spaghetti Squash ♥
Raw Butternut Squash Salad ♥
Roasted Butternut Squash ♥
Spaghetti Squash Cooked Whole ♥

Winter Squash ERRATA
The Miracle of Squash Blossoms ♥

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WINTER SQUASH SPECIALTIES

FRIED Winter Squash Recipes
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

MASHED Winter Squash Recipes
Kitchen Parade recipes
Squash Puff ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Curried Squash 15min/20min–ww2–pp2–sp3–fs1–green1–blue1–purple1–carb15 ♥
Mashed Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes 30min/90min–ww4–pp6–sp8–fs4–green4–blue4–purple2–carb34 ♥
Rutabaga & Butternut Squash Purée 10min/50min – WW1 – PP2 – NetCarb10 ♥

PICKLED Winter Squash Recipes
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

RAW Winter Squash Recipes
A Veggie Venture recipes
Raw Butternut Squash Salad 20min/20min–ww1–pp2–sp3–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb12 ♥

ROASTED Winter Squash Recipes
Kitchen Parade recipes
Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Acorn Squash Roasted Face Down 5min/55min – WW2 – PP2 – NetCarb8 ♥
Acorn Squash Roasted Face Up 5min/65min – WW1 – PP2 – NetCarb 19 ♥
Acorn Squash with Mustard & Honey 5min/100min – WW3 – PP3 – NetCarb25 ♥
Butternut Squash with Maple Glaze 10min/90min–ww2–pp3–sp4–fs1–green1–blue1–purple1–carb21 ♥
Delicata Squash with Hot Pepper Glaze 10min/55min – WW2 – PP3 – NetCarb18 ♥
Roasted Butternut Squash 10min/75min – WW1 – PP1 – NetCarb11 ♥
Roasted Delicata Squash 5min/40min–ww2–pp3–sp3–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb9 ♥

RECIPES ESPECIALLY for ACORN SQUASH
Kitchen Parade recipes
Acorn Squash with Quinoa & Cherries ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Acorn Squash Roasted Face Down 5min/55min – WW2 – PP2 – NetCarb8 ♥
Acorn Squash Roasted Face Up 5min/65min – WW1 – PP2 – NetCarb 19 ♥
Acorn Squash with Mustard & Honey 5min/100min – WW3 – PP3 – NetCarb25 ♥
Curried Squash 15min/20min–ww2–pp2–sp3–fs1–green1–blue1–purple1–carb15 ♥
Microwave Acorn Squash 2min/10min–ww1–pp2–sp2–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb13 ♥

RECIPES ESPECIALLY for DELICATA SQUASH
A Veggie Venture recipes
Delicata Squash with Hot Pepper Glaze 10min/55min – WW2 – PP3 – NetCarb18 ♥
Roasted Delicata Squash 5min/40min–ww2–pp3–sp3–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb9 ♥

RECIPES ESPECIALLY for SPAGHETTI SQUASH
A Veggie Venture recipes
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Spaghetti Squash 10min/45min–ww2–pp2–sp3–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb2 ♥
Spaghetti Squash Cooked Whole 1min/90min–ww0–pp0–sp0–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb3 ♥
Spaghetti Squash Salad with Tomato, Basil & Feta 20min/30min–ww1–pp2–sp4–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb8 ♥
Spaghetti Squash with Moroccan Spices 15min/35min – WW2 – PP3 – NetCarb15

WHOLE Winter Squash Recipes
A Veggie Venture recipes
How to Roast a Whole Butternut Squash 5min/90min–ww1–pp2–sp2–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb12 ♥
Spaghetti Squash Cooked Whole 1min/90min–ww0–pp0–sp0–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb3 ♥

~or~
How to Cut, Peel & Cube a Butternut Squash and Keep All Ten Fingers ♥ (with step-by-step photos)

MAGICAL MARRIAGES: Winter Squash +
honey maple syrup
apple apple cider currants dried apricot dried cherries mango pear
chard rutabaga sweet potato
farro grits lasagna mac 'n' cheese polenta quinoa

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WINTER SQUASH in EVERY COURSE
~ Except Breakfast! Except Dessert! But It Could! ~

Winter Squash for BREAKFAST
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

Winter Squash in APPETIZERS
A Veggie Venture recipes
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Spaghetti Squash 10min/45min–ww2–pp2–sp3–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb2 ♥

Winter Squash in BREADS
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

Winter Squash in SALADS
A Veggie Venture recipes
Raw Butternut Squash Salad 20min/20min–ww1–pp2–sp3–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb12 ♥

Winter Squash in SIDE DISHES (HOT)
Kitchen Parade recipes
Acorn Squash with Quinoa & Cherries ♥
Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple ♥
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato (or Pumpkin or Butternut Squash) Grits ♥
Squash Puff ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Acorn Squash Roasted Face Down 5min/55min – WW2 – PP2 – NetCarb8 ♥
Acorn Squash Roasted Face Up 5min/65min – WW1 – PP2 – NetCarb 19 ♥
Acorn Squash with Mustard & Honey 5min/100min – WW3 – PP3 – NetCarb25 ♥
Butternut Squash Polenta 20min/30min–ww3–pp4–sp5–fs4–green4–blue4–purple4–carb18 ♥
Butternut Squash with Maple Glaze 10min/90min–ww2–pp3–sp4–fs1–green1–blue1–purple1–carb21 ♥
Butternut Mac 'n' Cheese 30min/2.5hrs – WW3/WW7 – PP4/PP9 – NetCarb7/14 ♥
Curried Squash 15min/20min–ww2–pp2–sp3–fs1–green1–blue1–purple1–carb15 ♥
Delicata Squash with Hot Pepper Glaze 10min/55min – WW2 – PP3 – NetCarb18 ♥
How to Roast a Whole Butternut Squash 5min/90min–ww1–pp2–sp2–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb12 ♥
Mashed Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes 30min/90min–ww4–pp6–sp8–fs4–green4–blue4–purple2–carb34 ♥
Microwave Acorn Squash 2min/10min–ww1–pp2–sp2–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb13 ♥
Roasted Butternut Squash 10min/75min – WW1 – PP1 – NetCarb11 ♥
Roasted Delicata Squash 5min/40min–ww2–pp3–sp3–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb9 ♥
Rutabaga & Butternut Squash Purée 10min/50min – WW1 – PP2 – NetCarb10 ♥
Savory Bread Pudding with Butternut Squash, Chard & Cheddar 50min/2hrs–ww8–pp10–sp14–fs11–green11–blue11–purple11–carb28 ♥
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash with Ginger & Dried Fruit 25min/2hrs–ww2–pp3–sp6–fs4–green4–blue4–purple4–carb22 ♥
Spaghetti Squash Cooked Whole 1min/90min–ww0–pp0–sp0–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb3 ♥
Spaghetti Squash Salad with Tomato, Basil & Feta 20min/30min–ww1–pp2–sp4–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb8 ♥
Spaghetti Squash with Moroccan Spices 15min/35min – WW2 – PP3 – NetCarb15
Steamed Butternut Squash in a Collapsible Steamer Basket 10min/40min–ww1–pp2–sp3–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb11 ♥

Winter Squash in SOUPS
Kitchen Parade recipes
Chicken or Turkey & Wild Rice Soup ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Butternut Squash Soup that Actually Tastes Like Butternut Squash 30min/60min–ww2–pp3–sp4–fs3–green3–blue3–purple3–carb12 ♥
Butternut Squash Soup with Cider Cream 30min/60min – WW5 – PP6 – NetCarb23 ♥
Butternut Squash Soup with Mango & Toasted Coconut 30min/3hrs–ww2–pp3–sp5–fs3–green3–blue3–purple3–carb13 ♥
Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Pear & Coconut 35min/24hrs–ww4–pp4–sp7–fs5–green5–blue5–purple5–carb15 ♥
Gypsy Pot 45min/90min–ww2–pp3–sp4–fs2–green2–blue2–purple2–carb18 ♥
Simple Butternut Squash Soup 15min/20min–ww3–pp4–sp4–fs1–green1–blue1–purple1–carb20 ♥
Winter Vegetable Soup 25min/24hrs – WW3 – PP4 – NetCarb 29

Winter Squash in SANDWICHES, WRAPS & MORE
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

Winter Squash in MAIN DISHES
Kitchen Parade recipes
Acorn Squash with Quinoa & Cherries ♥
Simple Lentil Salad with Seasonal Vegetables ♥
Slow Cooker Curried Vegetable Stew ♥
Squash & Carrot Stew ♥
Winter Stew ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Butternut Squash Lasagna with Butternut Bechamel & Roasted Butternut Squash 55min/2hrs–ww6–pp7–sp10–fs8–green8–blue8–purple8–carb24 ♥
Farro Risotto with Butternut Squash 60min/60min–ww4–pp5–sp6–fs4–green4–blue4–purple4–carb17 ♥
Savory Bread Pudding with Butternut Squash, Chard & Cheddar 50min/2hrs–ww8–pp10–sp14–fs11–green11–blue11–purple11–carb28 ♥
Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash Tagine 30min/90min–ww4–pp7–sp11–fs7–green7–blue7–purple5–carb49 ♥
Warm Butternut Squash & Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing 40min/90min–ww4–pp6–sp7–fs2–green4–blue2–purple2–carb28 ♥

Winter Squash in SAUCES
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

Winter Squash in SWEETS & BAKING
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

RECIPES using CANNED or FROZEN Winter Squash
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

Winter Squash in CONVENIENCE PRODUCTS
A Veggie Venture recipes
Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Soup 1min/2min – WW1 – PP2 – NetCarb14

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MOVING BEYOND THE STOVE & OVEN

Winter Squash on the GRILL
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

Winter Squash in the MICROWAVE
A Veggie Venture recipes
Microwave Acorn Squash 2min/10min–ww1–pp2–sp2–fs0–green0–blue0–purple0–carb13 ♥

Winter Squash in the SLOW COOKER
Kitchen Parade recipes
Slow Cooker Curried Vegetable Stew ♥
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato (or Pumpkin or Butternut Squash) Grits ♥

A Veggie Venture recipes
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash with Ginger & Dried Fruit 25min/2hrs–ww2–pp3–sp6–fs4–green4–blue4–purple4–carb22 ♥

Winter Squash in the STOVETOP SMOKER
No recipes yet, this is my reminder!

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A Veggie Venture is home of winter squash lover and
"veggie evangelist" Alanna Kellogg and the
famous asparagus-to-zucchini Alphabet of Vegetables.

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