Yum Peaceful Cooking: Roasted Kabocha Squash #SundaySupper

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Roasted Kabocha Squash #SundaySupper


Squash. When I was a kid, I didn't think I liked "squash". Probably more cuz of the name than anything. It just didn't sound right. Squash. Thank God, I figured out as an adult that I really love the stuff!

Learning all the wonderful ways squash can be made didn't hurt either. Steamed, pureed in a pie, soup, sauce, roasted, BBQ'd etc, etc....it's all good. My favorite is roasted. Soups and sauces are runner-ups for sure. Oh wait...grilled...man oh man. Like I said...its all good!

It is the season for squash-a-plenty. This Sunday Supper is all about giving you ideas on what to do with your squash and how to enjoy the bounty, whether its from your garden, the farmers market or your local grocery store. Do you know what I recommend? Make a pledge to try a new kind of squash this season. There are so many different kinds out there....why limit yourself to the well known few?

When I saw this kabocha sitting in the bin at the market, I had no clue what it was. I wasn't even sure it was edible. Whaaaaat? I dunno....maybe it was one of those kinds you use to decorate, ya know? So I googled it right then and there and bought it.


Kabocha is an Asian winter squash, commonly called a Japanese pumpkin. It resembles a pumpkin in texture but is more like a mild butternut squash, maybe a bit sweeter. The sweetness will vary depending on how ripe your kabocha is.

(note: I noticed as I was about to begin making my dish that there was a "blemish" on top of my kabocha. Once I cut it open, I saw that it was very superficial and just cut it out. Not point in wasting the whole thing for one small area.)

To prepare, I sliced it in half, scooped out the seeds, cut it into manageable sections, then cut the skin away.


Easy peasy....chop it up and its ready to roast.

Roasted Kabocha
Inspired by Anne Burrell

4 cups kabucha cut into 1/2" cubes
Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Salt
1 lb greens beans
1 lb fresh mushrooms (I used crimini), sliced
1/2 cup roasted pepitas for garnish
1 bunch fresh chives, finely diced for garnish

Preheat the oven to 375' F

In a large bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Spread out onto a baking sheet and roast until very soft, about 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, toss the green beans in olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Spread out onto a baking sheet and roast for about 15 - 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, toss the mushrooms in olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Soread out onto a baking sheet and roast for about 7 - 10 minutes.

Once everything has roasted, combine them all together.


Look at those bright, beautiful colors! Everything roasted separately to keep their flavors individual. Garnish with the pepitas and chives and serve warm.

This was the perfect side dish for crispy lemon chicken. I even drizzled the vegetables with a bit of lemon and it was delish!


I was telling my daughter that this might even make it on this years Thanksgiving table. I'm always looking for ways to cook vegetables that will stand up to a turkey and I believe I have found the perfect mix.

There are so many difference kinds of squash and ways to use prepare them, check out the rest of Sunday Supper's squash recipes below.


Starters – Appetizers & Cocktails:
Pickles & Relish:
Soups & Salads:
Main Dishes
Side Dishes:
Sweets to Start or End the Day:
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8 comments:

  1. How yummy! I have never made a kabocha squash before, and now you have me wanting to try it, asap!!!

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  2. Your dish is beautiful. I can see serving it on Thanksgiving. I love everything about it.

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  3. I haven't eaten this squash either...but I love the way it looks served with beans and mushrooms!

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  4. So many different squash to try, love the mixture of ingredients you have put together here. A true feast for the eyes and stomach!!

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  5. I love Kabocha Squash! It makes an awesome soup and muffins too :) Thanks for sharing such a fun and tasty recipe for Squash Fest!

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  6. Looks great! I love that you mixed it with mushrooms and green beans too, a truly wonderful side dish!

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  7. I want the whole thing - platter and all (it's a gorgeous platter).

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  8. I can see why you are contemplating serving this at Thanksgiving. I would be delighted to find this on the table. It's a real change of pace for a fall dish. Plus looks good, which is extra important on a Thanksgiving table. I wasn't much of a squash eater when I was a kid either. I never thought about it, but I think you are right about the name. What kind of a name is that anyway? Squash---just doesn't have any texture to it. Ha.

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