Tillie Doyle
Acorn squash is a winter vegetable with a thick skin, similar to pumpkin, that can be stored for a long time. It is a great option for a side dish, especially for Thanksgiving or fall dinners. It can be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker, which is a convenient option as it requires no hands-on cooking and can be prepared in advance. The crockpot's slow and steady cooking process enhances the flavor pairings of savory spices with the naturally sweet, nutty flavor of acorn squash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Acorn squash, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, craisins, walnuts, cashews, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, apples, apple juice, apple cider |
| Nutrition info | Calories: 124-344kcal, Carbohydrates: 18-65g, Protein: 1-5g, Fat: 6-10g, Saturated Fat: 2-4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3-2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2-6g, Cholesterol: 2-16mg, Sodium: 7-61mg, Potassium: 392-911mg, Fiber: 1-7g, Sugar: 7-34g, Vitamin A: 580-821IU, Vitamin C: 11.9-24mg, Calcium: 40-125mg, Iron: 0.8-2mg |
| Recipe | Cut the acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds and pulp, place the halves skin-side down in the crock pot, score the flesh, add the remaining ingredients, cover the crock pot and cook |
| Temperature settings | Low (6-8 hours), Medium (4-6 hours), High (2-4 hours) |
| Crock pot size | 4-8 quarts |
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What You'll Learn
Acorn squash with apples and craisins
Acorn squash is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a crock pot in a variety of ways. Here is a recipe for Acorn Squash with Apples and Craisins that can be prepared in a crock pot:
Ingredients:
- Acorn squash
- Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your preferred variety)
- Craisins or dried cranberries
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Maple syrup or honey (optional)
- Apple juice or apple cider
- Salt
Instructions:
- Cut the acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place the squash cut-side up in the crock pot.
- Pour apple juice or cider into the bottom of the crock pot.
- Sprinkle each piece of squash with salt, followed by butter, brown sugar, and dried cranberries or craisins.
- Sprinkle diced apples in and around the squash, piling them on top of each squash half.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, if desired, for extra sweetness.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
This recipe is quite versatile, and you can adjust the quantities and cooking time to suit your taste. You can also add other ingredients like nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, or different spices to create a unique flavor profile.
The crock pot is a convenient way to cook acorn squash, allowing you to prepare a delicious and tender side dish with minimal effort and supervision.
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How to cut and prepare acorn squash
Acorn squash is a mildly sweet, nutty-flavoured vegetable with dark green, edible skin and a soft, toothsome texture. It is typically in season between late summer and early autumn and can be roasted, baked, pureed, or prepared in a crockpot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut and prepare acorn squash:
Step 1: Wash and Dry the Acorn Squash
Begin by washing the acorn squash under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a clean towel to dry it thoroughly.
Step 2: Create a Flat Surface
Place the acorn squash on its side on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a thin slice off one of the ends, preferably near the stem. This flat surface will provide stability and prevent the squash from rolling when you start cutting it.
Step 3: Cut the Acorn Squash in Half
With the squash still on its side, use your knife to slice through it lengthwise, creating two equal halves. You can roast or bake these halves as-is or cut them further, depending on your desired recipe and end-goal.
Step 4: Scoop Out the Seeds
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, membrane, and fibrous strands from each half of the acorn squash. You can discard the seeds or save them for roasting later.
Step 5: Slice the Acorn Squash
Place each half cut-side down on the cutting board for stability. Now, you can slice the acorn squash into your desired shape and thickness. You can create 1-inch crescent-shaped slices, bite-sized cubes, or wedges.
Optional Steps:
- Microwaving: If you find the acorn squash too hard to cut, you can soften it by making a few small incisions in the squash and microwaving it on high for a few minutes.
- Peeling: Although the skin of acorn squash is edible, you can choose to peel it off before cutting the squash.
- Stuffing: Acorn squash has deep, grooved cups that are perfect for stuffing with whole grains, melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, or other fillings of your choice.
Once you have cut and prepared your acorn squash, you can roast, bake, or cook it in a crockpot, following your chosen recipe.
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Seasoning and flavouring options
Acorn squash is a versatile ingredient that can be flavoured in a variety of ways. Here are some seasoning and flavouring options to consider when cooking acorn squash in a crock pot:
Savory Seasonings
For a savoury twist on acorn squash, skip the brown sugar and opt for spices such as pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, cloves, or cardamom. You can also try adding a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, and dried dill for a tasty and healthy veggie side dish. Another savoury option is to fill the squash with Italian sausage spaghetti sauce. This creates a hearty meal that can be frozen and reheated for future meals.
Sweet Flavourings
To enhance the natural sweetness of acorn squash, consider adding brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Dried cranberries, also known as "craisins," can also be added for extra sweetness and texture. For a festive touch, try using nuts such as walnuts or cashews along with the cranberries.
Apple Flavourings
Acorn squash pairs well with apples, particularly tart varieties like Granny Smith. Adding apple cider or apple juice to the crock pot can also infuse the squash with apple flavour. For a more indulgent treat, cook the squash with apples and craisins, then serve it with the cooked apples and their juices spooned over the top.
Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in many acorn squash recipes, as it helps to bring out the natural flavours of the squash. When combined with brown sugar, it creates a delicious, sweet glaze.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that complement the flavour of acorn squash. Sprinkle these spices over the squash before cooking, or add them to the cavity of the squash along with butter and brown sugar for a warm and inviting dish.
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Cooking times and temperatures
Acorn squash can be cooked in a crock pot on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high heat for 2.5 to 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the crock pot model and the size of the squash. It is recommended to cook the squash until it is tender and fork-soft.
The size of the crock pot needed depends on the size of the acorn squash. Smaller squash can be cooked in a 4- to 6-quart crock pot, while larger squash may require a bigger slow cooker, which can go up to 8 quarts.
It is important to note that the crock pot's lid should not be opened while the squash is cooking, as this will cause heat to escape and increase the cooking time.
Additionally, the crock pot should be allowed to cool down after turning it off before serving the cooked squash.
Some recipes suggest adding a small amount of water to the crock pot before placing the squash, which can enhance the dish's flavor and moisture.
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Reheating and storing acorn squash
Acorn squash is a member of the winter squash family and has a longer growing period than summer squash, giving it a deeper flavour. It is dense and can be challenging to cut.
Storing Acorn Squash
Acorn squash should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in a cellar or storage area at around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It will last up to a month in these conditions, but only about two weeks in the refrigerator. If you plan to use it within two weeks of purchase, it's best to store it in a cool, dry place.
Reheating Acorn Squash
Cooked acorn squash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or air fryer. For the microwave, reheat for 45-90 seconds until warm. For the oven, reheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warm. For the air fryer, reheat at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing Acorn Squash
Before freezing, acorn squash must be cooked. Cook the squash, remove the pulp from the skin, and leave it in chunks or mash it. Place the squash in airtight containers and freeze for up to 10 to 12 months. It will take about two days to thaw in the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need acorn squash, butter, water, and seasonings. For a sweeter dish, you can add brown sugar, maple syrup, or dried cranberries. For a savory dish, you can use olive oil, garlic powder, and dried dill.
First, cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Then, add water to the crock pot and place the squash inside, either flesh-side up or skin-side down. Next, add your desired seasonings and butter. Finally, cover the crock pot and let it cook.
Depending on the size of your crock pot and squash, cooking times will vary. On low heat, cooking should take 4-8 hours, on medium heat, 4-6 hours, and on high heat, 2-4 hours.
