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As I've mentioned previously, I don't have a long standing respect for vegetables. However, as part of our goal to improve our health, lose weight, and help control John's blood sugar, we're really trying to eat a wider variety of vegetables. As we were wandering the farmers market the other day, a friend picked up a Kabocha squash. We got to talking about my quest for vegetables and she referred to this squash as the 'squash for people who don't like squash'. Since I am easily influenced and happen to trust her food sense, I got in line right behind her with a squash of my very own.
Preparing this squash couldn't be simpler. John sliced it in half and I scooped out the seeds. I put the two halves cut side down in a glass baking dish and added an inch of water to the dish. I baked it for about 45 minutes at 325, until I could stick a fork in the rind and have it penetrate easily.
From there, I scooped the squash out, added a couple pats of butter and some brown sugar. That's it. Instant vegetable.
"Instant vegetable." Not a rousing endorsement, although that should have been okay. Hmm. Cubing it and roasting it next time, perhaps?
Actually, I really enjoyed it. I should have made that clearer in the post. It was easy and yummy. I'll be buying another one at the market this weekend.
I am a big fan of squash in general, but Laura is not. That being said, i have gotten her to eat various kinds of squash like acorn and butter nut by roasting it. Because it can take so darn long to cook, I usually start mine in the microwave. Follow same prep you used, only cover glass baker with plastic wrap (with a few vent holes) and cook for 5-10 minutes depending on size of squash. Once it is tender, remove from glass dish, put on sheet pan, with cut side up. Brush with a little soft or melted butter, add small pat of butter, honey/brown sugar, salt & pepper in center 'hole' and broil until it gets caramelized and yummy. I have also used a mixture of honey, mustard and butter as well, which Laura (who again doesn't like squash) asked for seconds :)