How To Cook Cucurbita Squash In 6 Easy And Simple Steps

Now that it is the season for squash, I can’t wait to show you how to cook Cucurbita squash. This delicious squash variety is very commonly cooked during both the Spring and Winter months. It is delicious, earthy, and super soft when cooked.

This recipe and how to post is easy to follow for beginner Mexican cuisine cooks looking to add variety to their lives. IF you follow along with this how to tutorial and recipe, you will have a delicious roasted or baked Cucurbita squash just in time for a mouth watering dinner!

What Is Cucurbita Squash?

So, what exactly is cucurbita squash? I don’t know about you, but as much as I like learning how to cook cucurbita squash, that does not mean I know a lot about squash in general! There are so many varieties, it makes sentence that you would feel confused while looking at how to cook winter squash in the oven.

First, lets start with an understanding of what kind of edible vegetable this is. Technically, a cucurbita squash is a winter squash. Although they can come in many colors, it is more common to see cucurbita squash as a vibrant green.

You can cook this type of squash in many ways, although there are specific seasons to find them. This squash grows naturally in both Texas and Mexico, but is harder to find everywhere else! There are also a lot of health benefits and nutrition that one serving of cucurbita squash can bring!

The Health Benefits Of Cucurbita Squash

Before we learn how to cook cucurbita squash recipes, I want to discuss the health benefits and nutrition value of this delicious and old winter squash! From what we know, one serving of cucurbita squash includes nutrients like multiple antioxidants that help your body fight off and against diseases!

Not only are there multiple antioxidants, but eating winter squash regularly can also increase the health of your skin! The beta-carotene naturally inside of winter squashes can also increase your bodies response to protecting itself from harmful UV rays!

With all of these health benefits and the delicious flavor you will taste after you learn how to cook cucurbita squash, you won’t want to stop making this treat! I will specifically be discussing how to cook winter squash seeds in the oven as well as the gourd!

What You Will Need To Make Cucurbita Squash

Ingredients

• 2lbs of Winter Squash

There are a lot to choose from, if you want to try various, I recommend grabbing two to three smaller varieties and cooking them. This way, you get exposed to various winter squash varieties and you can make a choice.  I like to use acorn and spaghetti squash when baking!

• 2 cloves of garlic- minced
• 1 tsp of Paprika
• 2 tsp of Honey
• 1 tbsp of Red Chili Pepper Flakes
• 2 tsp of Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp. of butter

Optional Ingredients (Yellow rice):

If you are interested in making a side so that you can have a full meal, I recommend making a yellow rice. You do not have to use these ingredients or follow step 5 and 6 if you are not interested.

• 2 Cups of Long Grain Rice
• Oil
• Water
• Salt
• Paprika
• Sazon packet (or Mexican seasoning)

Equipment

• Cutting board
• knife
• Clean work space
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Food Brush

Step By Step Instructions On How To Cook Cucurbita Squash Recipes

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

The first step in how to cook Cucurbita squash is to prepare the squash. This means that you should cut it into however many slices you need. Usually, I cut it into 4, however, that depends on the size!

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings Together

Gather the rest of the ingredients for step 2 of how to cook Cucurbita squash and mix them in a bowl. Blend the seasonings with oil and honey. Make sure there are no clumps in the mixture.

Step 3: Drizzle Seasoning and Mixture

My favorite step is the third step, where you will drizzle and drop the mixture you just made in a bowl on top of the squash. Line the squash on a baking sheet with parliament paper. This way, the squash does not stick or burn. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Bake for One Hour

Once the oven is done preheating, place the squash on the lowest rack and bake for an hour. Continue checking and stabbing at the skin to see if it is fully cooked. Sometimes it needs more depending on the thickness of the squash.

Step 5 (optional): Clean the Rice and Simmer the Seasoning

This is an optional step, but I like eating basically everything with rice! To make a delicious and authentic yellow or orange rice, clean the rice first with cold water. In a large pot, simmer the seasonings, vegetables, and oil. Add more water as it starts to blend.

Step 6 (optional): Cook the Rice for 25 Minutes

Then, place the stovetop heat on medium-high and cook with the lid on for about 25 minutes. Stir and check.

Tips And Tricks On How To Cook Cucurbita Squash

I do have some tips for you have may help you understand better how to cook Cucurbita squash. You should start by checking to make sure the squash is ready. Not all squash is mature enough. I like to check the outer layer for bruises and dents. Sometimes these dents are mold and decay.

I also recommend lightly squeezing the squash. It should be soft enough to feel a slight dip, but not squishy enough that anything is coming out of the squash.

Conclusion

All in all, it is fun to learn how to cook Cucurbita squash as well as how to cook winter squash seeds. The seeds are easy as you only really need to clean them and dry them before baking and seasoning.

Did you learn anything new about how to cook Cucurbita squash? Let us know in the comments below! We are excited and happy to hear from you! Do you know someone interested in winter squash? Share this blog with them!

FAQs

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