A Simple Technique for Cooking Squash

Eating grain-free presents enough challenges, so I try to keep my recipes simple and to-the-point. The less steps in the recipe and the less bowls I dirty the better! That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy occasionally making complex creations in the kitchen, but that is when finals for my online courses aren’t looming… i.e. not right now!

I used this technique for butternut squash a while ago. I recently tried it for acorn squash and, although I had to adjust the cooking time, it worked like a charm!

Crockpot Acorn Squash

Wash and carefully cut your acorn squash in half. This is the hardest part — those buggers are tricky to open! Scoop out the innards. Place the squash cut-side up in a slow cooker, stacking them like in the picture. I could fit 4 halves in my Crockpot. Pour 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the pot. Don’t let the water get into the squash cavities, though. Cook on HIGH for about 3 hours, until tender. Cool and separate from the skin.  Voila! Creamy acorn squash pureé (or mashed acorn squash, whatever you want to call it).

How to Serve Crockpot Acorn Squash

My favorite way to serve crockpot acorn squash pureé? Again, super simple: In a saucepan, I warm the squash with liberal amounts of butter and salt. That’s it! A dash of honey revs up the sweetness, if desired. If I want to spend an extra five minutes, I’ll brown the butter first (how to brown butter).

I am not so lucky, but if you have fresh sage on hand, roughly chop it, brown it in butter, and sprinkle over the golden squash. Pure and rustic elegance!

More Serving Suggestions:

• Use crockpot acorn squash for a creamy squash soup

• Substitute it for pumpkin in pies or baked goods

• Mash with roasted garlic and a bit of yogurt for a creamy dip

Eat well and heal!™

I have some crockpot acorn squash in my fridge now. Do you have any other serving suggestions? What should I try?

shared at: Thank Your Body Thursday, Grateful GAPS