Butternut squash has an elongated shape and a nutty aftertaste. It is rich in properties and has a high content of vitamins (A, B, C and E). If you want to make a dish with butternut squash, but are short on time, you can easily cook it in the microwave. If you wish, you can save the seeds to toast them in the traditional oven and serve them as a snack.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Cook the Whole Pumpkin
Step 1. Wash and dry the pumpkin
Rinse it with cold water to remove any dirt from the peel, then pat it dry.
Step 2. Drill holes in the pumpkin with the fork
Like potatoes, squash also needs to release moisture while cooking. The holes will let it out in a controlled manner.
- The holes should not be more than 5-6mm deep, so don't worry if you can't push the fork all the way down. Be careful not to pierce the peel completely so as not to let all the steam escape.
- Space the holes apart by a few centimeters. In total, 15 or 20 will suffice.
Step 3. Place the squash on a plate and microwave for 5 minutes
Use a dish suitable for use in the microwave and set the oven to the maximum power available. After 5 minutes, the squash will have softened and you can easily cut it.
Don't worry if the pumpkin protrudes slightly from the edges of the plate
Step 4. Cut the pumpkin vertically
Take a serrated or smooth-bladed knife and divide the pumpkin in half. Move the blade back and forth for less effort and to avoid cutting yourself. Once divided in two, the squash will cook faster.
Grab the handle of the knife with your little finger, middle and ring finger, while holding the blade with your thumb and forefinger. This grip offers more balance and better control over the knife
Step 5. Empty the pumpkin from the seeds and place it on the plate with the pulp side down
If you want, you can save the seeds to toast them in the traditional oven and serve them as a snack, otherwise throw them away. Place the squash halves on the plate with the pulp side down.
Again, don't worry if the pumpkin protrudes slightly from the plate
Step 6. Cook the squash on full power for another 5-10 minutes
The time required for cooking varies depending on the size of the pumpkin. After 5 minutes, take it out of the microwave and check it. If it's still not fully cooked, return it to the oven for another 5 minutes.
Skewer the squash with a fork to see if it is cooked. If you can pierce it from side to side with ease, it means it's ready
Step 7. Let the pumpkin cool and serve it however you like
Cooking in the microwave makes it very versatile. For example, you can use it to make soup or veloute.
Method 2 of 4: Cook the Cubed Pumpkin
Step 1. Remove the ends of the pumpkin
Take a serrated or smooth-bladed knife and trim the top and base of the pumpkin. Move the knife back and forth to make less effort and to avoid the risk of cutting yourself. Remove the last 2 cm from the top and base and discard the cut parts.
- Grab the handle of the knife with your little finger, middle and ring finger, while holding the blade with your thumb and forefinger. This grip offers more balance and better control over the knife.
- Since the butternut squash has a round base, it tends to roll on the cutting board. To avoid hurting yourself, hold it still with your non-dominant hand, curving your fingers towards the palm for a firmer grip.
Step 2. Peel the pumpkin and cut it in half
Peel it as if it were a potato, starting from the top to the base. Throw away the peel, then cut the pumpkin in half, separating the cylindrical top from the rounded base.
Step 3. Cut the top into cubes
Place it sideways on the cutting board and cut it into round slices a couple of cm thick. Try to make slices of uniform thickness.
- Now cut the slices into cubes by first cutting them horizontally and then vertically.
- To limit waste, don't worry if the pumpkin pieces aren't perfectly cubic.
Step 4. Cut the base of the pumpkin in half
Place the rounded base of the pumpkin on the cutting board and divide it into two equal parts.
Move the knife back and forth for less effort. You can gently push the blade down with your free hand, but first make sure it is completely dry and clean, otherwise it could slip and you could cut yourself
Step 5. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin
You can use a spoon, melon scoop, or ice cream scoop.
If you wish, you can store the seeds, toast them in the traditional oven and serve them as a snack, otherwise throw them away
Step 6. Cut the base of the pumpkin into cubes
Create crescent-shaped slices and then cut them into cubes. Try to respect the size of the cubes you created earlier.
Step 7. Microwave the pumpkin cubes for 3-4 minutes
You need to be able to skewer them easily with a fork.
Step 8. Use pumpkin cubes to prepare your favorite dishes
You can use them to enrich a salad, but also to fill an omelette or pizza in a healthy and tasty way. If you prefer, you can dress them and serve them as a side dish.
Method 3 of 4: Cook the Pumpkin Spaghetti
Step 1. Remove the ends of the pumpkin
Use a serrated or smooth-bladed knife and slowly move it back and forth to trim the base and top of the squash. Throw away the cut parts.
Grab the handle of the knife with your little finger, middle and ring finger, while holding the blade with your thumb and forefinger. This grip offers more balance and better control over the knife
Step 2. Peel the pumpkin and cut it in half
Remove the peel with the peeler and throw it away. Cut the pumpkin in half to separate the cylindrical part from the rounded part.
Save the rounded part for another recipe, as it is not suitable for making spaghetti with the spiralizer
Step 3. Cut the top of the pumpkin in half
Place it sideways on the cutting board and divide it into two equal parts to easily insert it into the vegetable spriralizer.
The spiralizers have different shapes and sizes depending on the model. Consult the instruction manual for the best way to cut pumpkin
Step 4. Reduce the squash to spaghetti and place them in a bowl
Set the spiralizer to the largest cutting mode available, then transfer the pumpkin noodles to a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 5. Add the water and cover the bowl
Add 120ml of water, then cover the bowl with microwave-safe cling film.
Step 6. Cook the pumpkin noodles in the microwave for 5 minutes
You have to be able to skewer them with a fork. When they have softened, drain the water from the bowl.
Step 7. Let the pumpkin noodles cool and then serve them
You can use them as a substitute for pasta, put them in a sandwich or serve them as a side dish.
Method 4 of 4: Using Violin Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 175 ° C
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make it easier to wash later.
Step 2. Separate the seeds from the filaments and then wash them
Free them from most of the pulp that surrounds them, put them in a bowl full of water and finish cleaning them by rubbing them with your fingers. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Don't worry if the seeds aren't perfectly clean
Step 3. Place the seeds in a bowl and season them with the oil and spices
Transfer them to a bowl and flavor them with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, a teaspoon of a spice of your choice (for example fennel seeds) and a pinch of salt. Stir to season them evenly.
Step 4. Spread the seeds on the tin lined pan
Make sure they are separated from each other to achieve an even roast.
Step 5. Toast the pumpkin seeds in the oven for 15-20 minutes
They must turn golden.
While in the oven, the seeds may start popping. This is the signal that they are ready
Step 6. Let the pumpkin seeds cool before eating
You can add them to a salad, a mix of seeds and nuts, or eat them alone at aperitif time.
