Hubbard squash is type of large, teardrop-shaped winter squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making it a wonderful addition to your meals. In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook hubbard squash in 3 different ways.
1. How To Cook Hubbard Squash in Oven
1.1. How to Bake a Whole Hubbard Squash
Baking a whole Hubbard squash is a straightforward method that yields a creamy, tender interior and intensifies its natural sweetness. Here’s a step-by-step guide
Ingredients
- 1 whole Hubbard squash
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the Hubbard squash thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a few small slits in the squash to prevent it from bursting during baking.
Rub the entire surface of the squash with olive oil or melted butter. This will help enhance its flavor and maintain moisture during baking.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the squash, or you can experiment with other seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar for a sweeter taste.
Place the seasoned Hubbard squash on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce through the thickest part of the squash.
Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into halves or wedges.
Scoop out the seeds and strings using a spoon. The tender flesh is now ready to be served.
1.2. How To Roast Hubbard Squash Slices
Roasting Hubbard squash slices is a quicker alternative to baking a whole squash, and it creates crispy edges that add texture to the dish. Let’s dive into the recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 Hubbard squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Cut the Hubbard squash into ½-inch thick slices. To do this, carefully slice off the stem end of the squash, then cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and strings from each half and slice the squash into desired pieces.
In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange the seasoned squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they become tender and golden brown on the edges.
Once roasted, transfer the squash slices to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added flavor.
2. How To Cook Hubbard Squash in Microwave
Using the microwave is the quickest method for cooking Hubbard squash, and it’s perfect for those times when you’re short on time. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 1 Hubbard squash
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash the Hubbard squash thoroughly and pierce it in several places with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds and strings using a spoon.
Place one of the squash halves, cut-side down, on a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the squash flesh becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
Remove the squash from the microwave and repeat the process with the other half.
Once both halves are cooked, scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, discarding the skin.
Add butter, brown sugar (if desired), salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mash the squash with a fork or potato masher until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Serve the mashed Hubbard squash as a delightful side dish or a healthy and tasty alternative to mashed potatoes.
3. How To Cook Hubbard Squash on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 Hubbard squash
- Water
- Butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash the Hubbard squash thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and strings using a spoon. You can also peel the squash if desired, although the skin is edible and adds texture and flavor to the dish.
Cut the squash into smaller, manageable pieces or chunks. This will help reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking.
In a large pot or saucepan, add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot, about 1-2 inches deep.
Place the squash pieces in the pot, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. If needed, cook the squash in batches.
Add a pinch of salt to the water. This will help enhance the flavor of the squash as it cooks.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the squash simmer gently. Keep the lid on to retain the steam and moisture during cooking.
Cook the squash for about 15-20 minutes or until it becomes tender when pierced with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the squash pieces.
Once the squash is cooked, drain any excess water from the pot.
Add a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to the cooked squash, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle some herbs or spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika, for extra flavor.
Toss the squash gently in the butter or olive oil until it’s evenly coated.
Serve the stove-cooked Hubbard squash as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course.
4. How To Cook Hubbard Squash in Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a time-saving appliance that can cook Hubbard squash in a flash. This method preserves the squash’s natural flavors and nutrients while reducing cooking time significantly:
Ingredients
- 1 Hubbard squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Peel the Hubbard squash using a vegetable peeler, then cut it in half, remove the seeds and strings, and cut it into chunks.
Add one cup of water to the Instant Pot’s inner pot and place a steamer basket inside.
Place the Hubbard squash chunks in the steamer basket.
Close the Instant Pot lid, set the steam release handle to the “Sealing” position, and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode.
Adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes at high pressure.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Carefully open the Instant Pot lid, and using tongs, transfer the cooked squash chunks to a mixing bowl.
Add honey, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the bowl.
Mash the cooked squash with a fork or potato masher until the ingredients are well combined and the desired consistency is achieved.
Serve the Instant Pot-cooked Hubbard squash as a delightful side dish or a healthy dessert alternative.
Hubbard squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be easily prepared in various ways to suit your taste and cooking preferences. Whether you choose to bake a whole squash, roast slices in the oven, or use the quick methods of microwave or Instant Pot cooking, each technique brings out the unique flavors and textures of this winter squash.
