Squash is an earthy and subtly sweet vegetable that brings not just a pop of colour to your plate but a bounty of nutritional benefits as well. It is low in calories but packed with important vitamins and minerals, as well as plenty of fibre. Best of all, its impressive range fits effortlessly with both sweet and savoury culinary creations.

In the spirit of embracing this wholesome vegetable, here are 7 tasty ways to cook with squash.

1. Roasted Squash

Roasting squash allows its intrinsic sweetness to shine, and the caramelized edges enhance its depth of flavour. Simply cube or slice your squash, toss it with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until it turns a delightful golden brown. For an autumnal twist, you can even sprinkle it with a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg. Roast squash makes a fantastic side dish for holiday meals.

2. Sweet Squash Delights

Pumpkin pie is an obvious choice in the realm of sweet squash desserts, but there’s so much more to explore. Squash muffins or butternut squash bread are just a few deliciously sweet ideas. Don’t shy away from incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to complement the squash’s natural sweetness.

3. Squash Soup

Squash yields itself beautifully to warm and velvety soups. A classic butternut squash soup might include ingredients like onions, garlic, carrots, and a bit of cream, all blended to perfection. For something a little different, consider a spicy squash and coconut soup or perhaps a butternut and apple bisque.

4. Stuffed Squash

Acorn squash, with its naturally bowl-like shape perfect for an edible vessel, begs to be stuffed with all manner of delicious ingredients. Think wild rice, mushrooms, cranberries, and pecans for a hearty vegetarian option. Or consider a mix of sausage, breadcrumbs, and cheese for something a bit more indulgent.

5. Squash Spaghetti

Spaghetti squash is a unique squash variety that separates into stringy, spaghetti-like strands when roasted, making it an excellent low-carb alternative to pasta and a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. After you separate the strings, simply toss them with your favourite pasta sauce, incorporate them into a casserole, or enjoy them with a bit of butter and garlic.

6. Squash Fritters

Shredded squash can easily be turned into fritters, offering a delightful texture and flavour. Simply mix shredded squash with a bit of flour, egg, and your preferred seasonings. Fry until golden brown and enjoy a crunchy, savoury treat. These make fabulous appetizers or a delightful side dish to your main course.

7. Pickled Squash

Enjoy a side of squash that is less commonly seen by pickling it. Thin slices of summer squash pickled with vinegar, sugar, and spices can be a tangy, flavourful addition to salads and sandwiches or served as a unique appetizer.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with squash. So, get creative, explore different varieties and cooking methods, and most importantly, make sure you savour every bite!