Steaming Squash: A Quick, Healthy Cooking Method

Steaming is a great way to cook squash, whether it's butternut, yellow, green, zucchini, or crookneck. It's a quick and easy method that preserves the flavour and nutrients of the vegetable. To steam squash, you'll need to first rinse the squash thoroughly and cut off both ends. You can leave the peel on, as it contains most of the flavour and nutrients. Then, cut the squash into your desired size and shape—rounds, quarters, or chunks. If the squash is small, you can leave it whole. Next, bring water to a boil in a large saucepan and place the squash in a steamer basket or heatproof colander, making sure the water level is below the basket. Cover and steam until the squash is tender, which usually takes around 3 to 10 minutes depending on the size of your squash pieces. Finally, drain the squash and serve hot with your choice of seasonings or incorporate it into other recipes.

How to steam yellow squash

Steaming yellow squash is a simple and quick way to cook the vegetable while preserving its flavour and nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam yellow squash:

Firstly, rinse the yellow squash thoroughly, using a vegetable brush to remove any dirt and grit. Cut off both ends of the squash, but do not remove the peel as it contains most of the flavour and nutrients. You can leave the squash whole, or cut it into your desired sizes. For steaming, it is best to slice it into rounds or cut it into quarters or chunks. If you do decide to cut the squash, make sure the pieces are fairly uniform in size so that they cook evenly.

Next, place 1 to 2 inches of water in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. While you are waiting for the water to boil, you can prepare the squash by placing it in a steamer basket or a large, heatproof colander. Once the water is boiling, place the steamer basket in the saucepan, ensuring that the water level is below the bottom of the basket. Cover the saucepan and turn the burner to medium-high so the water continues to boil gently.

Steam the squash until you can easily pierce it with a fork or the tip of a knife. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of squash. Thin slices or small chunks generally steam in 3 to 5 minutes, while a whole squash may take 10 to 12 minutes.

Once the squash is tender, remove the steamer basket and let the squash drain. You can then serve the squash hot, or incorporate it into other recipes such as squash casserole. If you don't plan to serve the squash immediately, it can be stored in the refrigerator and used within three to four days.

To enhance the flavour of the steamed squash, you can season it with salt, pepper, and a little bit of olive oil, butter, or Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your steamed yellow squash!

How to steam butternut squash

Steaming butternut squash is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty fall vegetable. It's a great weeknight side dish and can be dressed up in a variety of ways.

To steam butternut squash, start by halving the squash and removing the peel and seeds. Cut the flesh into uniform cubes. Bring about an inch of water to boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Add the squash, cover, and steam until tender, which should take about 15 minutes. You can also steam butternut squash in the microwave. Place the squash and water in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and cook on high for 2 to 2 and a half minutes, or until tender.

Once your squash is steamed, you can season it with salt and pepper, and add a little olive oil, butter, or Parmesan cheese. You can also mash steamed butternut squash with a pinch of salt and pepper and a teaspoon or two of butter or olive oil. Or, add it to soup or risotto for a fall spin.

If you're preparing the squash ahead of time, you can chop it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking.

How to steam summer squash in the microwave

Steaming summer squash in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to cook this tasty vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed squash.

Preparation

Wash and slice your summer squash. You can use a mandoline or a knife to cut uniformly sized ¼- to ½-inch thick coins or slices. The uniformity of the slices will help ensure even cooking.

Steaming

Place the squash in a microwave-safe bowl. Add in just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl by about ½ to 1 inch. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe cling wrap.

Microwave on high power for 3 to 6 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your microwave's strength and the desired doneness of the squash. Aim for a slightly translucent appearance, with a firm outer texture and soft centre. Check the squash after 3 minutes, and if it is not done, continue cooking in 30-second to 1-minute increments until it is fork-tender.

Seasoning

Once the squash is cooked to your liking, drain the water and add your desired seasonings. Toss well to coat the squash evenly. You can also add butter or olive oil for extra flavour and richness.

Tips and Variations

• Always use microwave-safe bowls and cling wrap when cooking.
• Microwaves vary in strength, so adjust cooking times as needed.
• You can also add chopped onion to the bowl before steaming for extra flavour.
• For a more luxurious dish, toss the steamed squash with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, butter, or Parmesan cheese.
• Steaming squash is a great way to retain its natural sweetness and enhance its vibrant colour.
• If you're short on time, you can prepare and chop the squash in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking.

How to season steamed squash

Steaming squash is a great way to cook this vegetable, as it's quick, simple, and preserves its flavour and nutrients. But what about seasoning? Well, there are several ways to season steamed squash, and here is a step-by-step guide:

First, let's prepare the squash. You can steam squash whole, sliced, or cut into pieces. If you're using yellow or green summer squash, it's recommended to keep the peel on, as this is where most of the flavour and nutrients are found. For butternut squash, the peel is edible but tough, so it's best to remove it before cooking. Once prepared, rinse the squash and cut off both ends, then cut into your desired size—uniform pieces are best so that the squash cooks evenly.

Now, let's get to the seasoning. There are a few different routes you can take, depending on your taste preferences:

• Salt and Pepper: This is a classic combination that goes well with squash. Simply sprinkle salt and pepper over the steamed squash, to taste, and toss to coat. You can also add a little olive oil or butter to help the seasonings stick and add a bit of richness.
• Spices and Herbs: For a more complex flavour profile, try adding some spices or herbs. You could use a pre-made spice blend, or experiment with individual spices like Cajun-seasoned salt, paprika, or garlic powder. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also be a great addition, chopped and sprinkled over the squash.
• Sweet and Savoury: For a touch of sweetness, you can add a little sugar or honey to your steamed squash. This pairs well with the savoury notes of the squash and can be balanced out with some salt, pepper, and butter.
• Cheese, Nuts, and More: For an extra indulgent take, try tossing your steamed squash with grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish.

When seasoning your steamed squash, it's best to do so immediately after cooking, while the squash is still hot. This will help the flavours meld together. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Enjoy!

How to prepare squash for steaming

Preparing squash for steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook this versatile vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare squash for steaming:

Step 1: Selecting and Cleaning the Squash

Start by choosing a firm and ripe squash, such as butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash. Wash the squash thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Cutting the Squash

Use a sharp knife to carefully cut off the stem and the bottom of the squash. For butternut and acorn squash, slice the squash in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands. For spaghetti squash, slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Step 3: Preparing the Squash for Steaming

For butternut and acorn squash, cut the cleaned and seed-free squash into evenly sized cubes of approximately 1 inch in size. This ensures that the squash cooks evenly. For spaghetti squash, you can proceed to the steaming step without further cutting.

Step 4: Setting Up the Steamer

Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and place a steamer basket or colander inside. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket. If you are steaming squash slices or cubes, arrange them in a single layer inside the steamer basket. For spaghetti squash, place the halves cut-side down in the steamer basket.

Step 5: Steaming the Squash

Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the squash steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is tender when pierced with a fork. The steaming time may vary depending on the type and size of the squash and your desired level of doneness.

Once the squash is steamed to your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. You are now ready to season and serve your steamed squash!

Frequently asked questions