Now that it’s Autumn, new produce is turning up at the market and grocery stores. A favorite this time of year is squash. There’s something so comforting about the taste of squash- it’s savory, and yet sweet. A squash is actually a fruit, and yet we use it as a vegetable, so we call it a vegetable! If you grow squash, you can eat much more than the fruit. The flowers are brilliant stuffed and fried. The leaves and stocks, if tender, can be sauteed and eaten. They’re great to add to soup!
There are many types of squash that you’ll find at your grocery store. The summer squash are tender and can be eaten whole. They are available all year long. When buying zucchini or other summer squash, look for smaller and firmer vegetables. When summer squash get big, they get woody and tough. If you or a neighbor grows zucchini, you know just how big they can get!
The winter squash varieties are available late summer and right up to spring. They store well in a cool, dark place. Some amazing varieties that will be easy to find are acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash are a unique variety with pasta-like cooked flesh. The bigger the squash, and the brighter the yellow the skin, the better the taste.
We found 10 amazing recipes using all kinds of squash. What is your favorite type of squash?
This delicious dish uses butternut squash to give a sweet/savory flavor. Squash makes a great filling for all sorts of pasta, so experiment and enjoy!
https://www.homemadeitaliancooking.com/butternut-squash-manicotti/ Photos and Recipe By: Home Made Italian Cooking
Acorn squash are a beautiful vegetable. It is great baked, like in this recipe. They have a beautifully nutty flavor with a sweet flesh. You can find this variety in your grocery store all year long.
https://cherishedbliss.com/sausage-and-apple-stuffed-acorn-squash/?m Photos and Recipe By: Cherished Bliss
This beautiful dish has an impressive presentation. Layers of summer squash, zucchini, and tomato are brought to live with thyme and Parmesan cheese. While this is a beautiful summer dish, it is perfect for anytime of year. The long baking time brings out all the flavors of the vegetables.
http://www.nutritionistreviews.com/2016/08/parmesan-tomato-zucchini-bake.html Photos and Recipe By: Nutritionist Reviews
Trick your picky eaters by sneaking squash into their favorite macaroni and cheese dish. It adds a silkiness and richness to the dish. Adults will appreciate the subtle flavors, while kids will love the cheese.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/kids-adult-friendly-vegan-mac-cheese/ Photos and Recipe By: Forkly
This rich Autumn soup uses buttercup squash. Don’t mistake this for butternut- they’re totally different varieties. Buttercup squash are oblong and dark green. They’re part of the Turban squash family because of their turban-like shape. They are sweeter than other squash and you can find them sold all year long.
http://fakeginger.com/autumn-squash-soup-panera-copycat/ Photos and Recipe By: Fake Ginger
Yes, pumpkin is a squash too! There are many more applications of pumpkin beyond baked goods and pumpkin pie. This pasta dish takes you through making a dough with pumpkin, and making a pumpkin pasta sauce.
http://www.nibbledish.com/people/keeca89/recipes/pumpkin-cavatelli-with-vegetarian-ragout Photos and Recipe By: Nibble Dish
Butternut squash are a favorite because they can be used in so many applications. This dish stuffs the squash with chick peas and chicken for a filling meal. It is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a really healthy dish.
https://www.mygorgeousrecipes.com/2016/11/18/simple-roasted-butternut-squash-stuffed-with-couscous-and-vegetables/ Photos and Recipe By: My Gorgeous Recipes
In this recipe, spaghetti squash is used to replace pasta. Sausage and chick peas are cooked with garlic and capers for a ton of flavor. The whole dish is tossed together and served hot. Use spaghetti squash in any place you would use noodles.
http://www.eatyourselfskinny.com/spaghetti-squash-boats-with-spicy-sausage/ Photos and Recipe By: Eat Yourself Skinny
The best dishes can be the simplest. Butternut squash cooks all day in a slow cooker and is blended to make a delicious soup. This would be a great soup for a busy weeknight. Set it in the morning, and when you come home from work your dinner is done!
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/slow-cooker-butternut-squash-soup-recipe/ Photos and Recipe By: Gimme Some Oven
Have this meal ready to go when you get home from work on a cool, rainy day. This brings Autumn into your chili in the most flavorful way!
http://www.chewoutloud.com/2015/12/01/butternut-squash-chili/ Photos and Recipe By: Chew Out Loud
