Cushaw squash is a delightful, lesser-known winter squash with a creamy texture and a mildly sweet flavor. It’s a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, steamed, stewed, or baked, making it a fantastic addition to your kitchen repertoire. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you cook cushaw squash?, this article will walk you through simple, tasty ways to prepare it and enjoy its unique taste.
What Is Cushaw Squash?
Cushaw squash is a type of winter squash, meaning it matures fully on the vine before harvest, unlike summer squash varieties. It often has a distinctive shape with green stripes on a cream-colored background, and it can grow quite large. Its flesh is dense and creamy when cooked, making it perfect for pies, soups, casseroles, and side dishes.
Preparing Cushaw Squash for Cooking
Before cooking cushaw squash, you’ll want to:
– Wash the squash thoroughly.
– Cut off the ends.
– Slice it in half lengthwise (this can be challenging due to its size).
– Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp (you can save the seeds for roasting or planting).
– Peel the skin if your recipe requires it, although some methods cook it with the skin on for convenience.
How Do You Cook Cushaw Squash? Easy Methods to Try
1. Roasting Cushaw Squash
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and gives the squash a lovely caramelized flavor.
– Peel and cut the cushaw into 1-inch cubes.
– Toss the cubes with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt.
– Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
– Roast in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes, stir, then roast for another 10 minutes until tender.
Alternatively, you can roast the halves flesh-side down on a baking sheet at 350°F for about an hour until easily pierced with a fork. This method keeps the flesh juicy and is perfect for scooping out to use in soups or purees.
2. Steaming Cushaw Squash
Steaming is a gentle way to cook cushaw squash, preserving its nutrients and moisture.
– Place cushaw pieces in a steamer basket over boiling water.
– Cover and steam for 15 to 20 minutes until very tender.
– Blend the cooked squash until smooth for use in pies or soups.
3. Stewing Cushaw Squash
Stewing cushaw squash results in a soft, mashable texture perfect for side dishes or baking.
– Peel and cut the squash into cubes.
– Place in a large pot or Dutch oven.
– Add water until it covers about half the volume of the squash.
– Cover and cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
– After about 30 minutes, remove the lid to let water evaporate and stir frequently until the squash is tender enough to mash.
– Drain excess liquid, mash the squash, and add salt, sugar, and butter to taste.
4. Sautéed Cushaw Squash with Lemon Pepper
For a quick and flavorful side dish, try sautéing cushaw squash with lemon pepper seasoning.
– Peel and cube the squash to make about 4 cups.
– Heat coconut oil in a skillet.
– Add the squash cubes, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
– Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
Delicious Cushaw Squash Recipe Ideas
Old-Fashioned Cushaw Pie
Use steamed and pureed cushaw squash as a filling for a classic squash pie, similar to pumpkin pie. The smooth texture and mild sweetness work wonderfully in desserts.
Cushaw Custard
Inspired by Native American traditions, cushaw custard is a creamy, comforting dish made by baking or steaming cushaw and mixing it with eggs, milk, and spices.
Cushaw Soup
Roast cushaw halves, scoop out the flesh, then blend it with bone broth, salt, and sage for a velvety soup. This is a warming, nutritious meal perfect for chilly days.
Tips for Cooking Cushaw Squash
– Cushaw squash can be large and tough to cut; use a sturdy knife and take your time.
– You can roast the squash with the skin on to save prep time, then scoop out the flesh after cooking.
– Save the seeds for roasting as a crunchy snack.
– Adjust seasonings according to your taste-cushaw’s mild flavor pairs well with herbs like rosemary, sage, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Cushaw squash is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that’s easy to cook once you know the basics. Whether you roast, steam, stew, or sauté it, cushaw adds a deliciously creamy texture and subtle sweetness to your meals. Give it a try and discover a new favorite winter squash!