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December 25, 2024
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious side dish, mashed potato squash is a great option. This creamy and flavorful dish is made with cooked squash, butter, and seasonings. And the best part? You can make it in the microwave, which saves you time and effort in the kitchen.
To start, choose a small to medium-sized potato squash that is firm and has a smooth skin. Wash the squash thoroughly and remove the stem. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and fibers in the center using a spoon or melon baller.
Next, place the squash halves in a microwave-safe dish with about 1/4 cup of water. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave the squash on high for about 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
Once the squash is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave and let it cool slightly. Using a fork, scoop out the cooked squash flesh and transfer it to a bowl. Mash the squash with a fork or potato masher until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Now it’s time to add flavor! Add a tablespoon or two of butter, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to the mashed squash. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to make it even creamier, if desired. Mix everything together until well combined.
Finally, serve the mashed potato squash as a delicious side dish with your favorite main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even as a vegetarian option with a side of steamed vegetables. Enjoy!
Prep the squash for cooking
Before cooking your mashed potato squash in the microwave, you’ll need to prepare it properly. Here’s how:
1. Clean the squash
First, start by cleaning the squash. Rinse it under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Cut the squash
Next, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Take caution and ensure your fingers are out of the way to prevent any accidents.
3. Scoop out the seeds
Once the squash is halved, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center. Discard the seeds and pulp or save them for another recipe, if desired.
4. Season the squash
Now you can season the squash as desired. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the cut sides of the squash for a simple yet flavorful taste. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder or dried herbs for additional flavor.
5. Place the squash in a microwave-safe dish
Transfer the seasoned squash halves to a microwave-safe dish, cut sides up. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate both halves without touching the sides or each other.
Now that you’ve prepped the squash, you’re ready to cook it in the microwave and transform it into delicious mashed potato squash!
Cut the squash and remove the seeds
To cook mashed potato squash in the microwave, start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut through the tough skin, making sure to apply even pressure. Once the squash is halved, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center. Discard the seeds and pulp or save them for another use.
Place the squash in a microwave-safe dish
Before cooking mashed potato squash in the microwave, you need to start by placing the squash in a microwave-safe dish. Choose a dish that is large enough to accommodate the whole squash, as it will expand slightly when cooked.
It is important to make a few small cuts or piercings in the squash’s skin to allow steam to escape during cooking. This will prevent the squash from exploding in the microwave. Use a fork or a sharp knife to make these cuts, being careful not to cut too deeply into the flesh of the squash.
Once the squash is in the microwave-safe dish and pierced, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help to trap the steam and cook the squash more evenly.
Make sure the dish is placed in the center of the microwave for even cooking. You may need to adjust the time depending on the size of the squash and the wattage of your microwave. Refer to the recipe or use the guidelines provided in your microwave’s manual for cooking times.
Once the squash is cooked and soft to the touch, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves, as the dish may be hot. Allow the squash to cool slightly before handling it further for mashing or use in recipes.
Following these steps will ensure that your mashed potato squash is cooked to perfection in the microwave. Enjoy the delicious and creamy texture of this versatile vegetable!
Cook the squash in the microwave
When it comes to cooking mashed potato squash, using the microwave is a quick and convenient method. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by washing the squash thoroughly under running water. Use a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Next, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Take out the seeds and discard them.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add a few tablespoons of water to the plate to create steam. This will help the squash cook evenly.
- Cover the plate with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave the squash on high for about 8-10 minutes or until it becomes tender. You can test its doneness by sticking a fork into the flesh.
- Once the squash is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, as it will be hot.
- Allow the squash to cool for a few minutes before handling.
- Using a spoon, scrape out the cooked flesh of the squash and transfer it to a bowl.
- Mash the cooked squash using a potato masher or a fork until it reaches your desired consistency.
Your squash is now ready to be seasoned and enjoyed as a tasty side dish or used in various recipes.
Microwave on High for 8-10 Minutes
After preparing the mashed potato squash, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. Cooking it in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to achieve a soft and creamy texture. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Place the Mashed Potato Squash in a Microwavable Dish
Transfer the mashed potato squash into a microwavable dish. Ensure that the dish is microwave-safe and large enough to hold the squash without spilling over.
Step 2: Cover the Dish
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or use microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help retain the moisture and prevent the squash from drying out during cooking.
Step 3: Set the Microwave to High Power
Adjust the microwave settings to the highest power level available. This will ensure that the squash cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook the Mashed Potato Squash
Place the covered dish in the microwave and cook on high for 8-10 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep a close eye on the squash to prevent overcooking. You can test the doneness by inserting a fork into the squash to see if it’s tender.
Note: If the squash is not cooked to your desired consistency after the initial cooking time, you can continue cooking it in 1-minute increments until it reaches the desired softness.
Step 5: Remove and Serve
Once the mashed potato squash is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the microwave. Use oven mitts or a towel to handle the hot dish. Uncover the dish and let the squash cool slightly before serving.
Now, your mashed potato squash is ready to be enjoyed as a delicious and healthy side dish!
Check the squash for tenderness
After cooking the squash in the microwave, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be very hot. Use a fork to test the tenderness of the squash. Gently insert the fork into the flesh of the squash. If it goes in easily and the flesh feels soft, the squash is fully cooked. If it resists or feels firm, continue cooking in the microwave in 1-minute increments until the desired tenderness is achieved.
FAQ
What is mashed potato squash?
Mashed potato squash is a type of winter squash that has a creamy, smooth texture when cooked and mashed. It is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
How do I cook mashed potato squash in the microwave?
To cook mashed potato squash in the microwave, start by washing the squash and cutting it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membrane from the center. Place the squash halves in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Cook on high power for about 10-12 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, scoop out the flesh and mash it with a fork or potato masher.
Can I add any seasonings or spices to mashed potato squash?
Yes, you can definitely add your favourite seasonings and spices to mashed potato squash to enhance the flavour. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different spices to suit your taste preferences.
What are some serving suggestions for mashed potato squash?
Mashed potato squash can be served as a side dish alongside grilled or roasted meats, poultry, or seafood. It pairs well with a variety of vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also top it with a dollop of butter or sour cream for added richness. Additionally, mashed potato squash can be used as a filling for stuffed vegetables or as a base for a hearty vegetable soup.
