Bushra Griffith
Gem squash is a nutritious vegetable that is noted for its rounded shape and dark green skin. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, and baking. One popular method of preparing gem squash is to stuff it with cheese and bake it. This can be done by cutting the squash in half, removing the seeds, and filling the cavity with a mixture of cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients. The squash can then be baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden. This dish can be served as a side with roast meat or as a vegetarian main course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Rinse the gem squash under cool water and dry it with a paper towel. Use a heavy knife to slice it in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and pulp from the squash halves. |
| Cooking Methods | Baking, boiling, steaming, grilling, roasting, microwaving |
| Ingredients | Cheese, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, breadcrumbs, meat, vegetables, corn, ketchup, honey, sugar, garlic, spring onions, cumin, paprika, cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, corn chips, gorgonzola, brie, mozzarella |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes in boiling water, 2-3 minutes in the microwave, 10 minutes in the oven |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve hot as a side dish with roast meat or chicken |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare gem squash for cooking
Preparing gem squash for cooking is a simple process. First, make sure the squash is ripe by checking that its skin is a dull, dark green colour and that the skin cannot be easily chipped away with your fingernail. Then, rinse the squash under cool water and dry it with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
Next, place the squash on a cutting board and use a heavy knife to slice it in half. Hold the squash still with one hand to prevent it from rolling, and carefully cut through the centre to create two equal halves. If you plan to stuff the squash, keep the skin on as it will hold the baked squash and stuffing together. If not, you can peel the squash before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
Once the squash is halved, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the centre, discarding the mixture. Your gem squash is now ready to be cooked and stuffed with your desired fillings!
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How to cook gem squash in an oven
Gem squash is a popular vegetable in South Africa and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook gem squash with cheese in an oven:
Preparation
Firstly, rinse the gem squash under cool water and dry it with a paper towel. Use a gentle produce scrub brush or your hand to remove any dirt or grime from the skin of the squash. Ensure the exterior is completely dry before cutting it.
Cutting and Stuffing
Cut the gem squash in half and brush the surface and insides lightly with vegetable oil or olive oil. This ensures the squash doesn't dry out during cooking. Season the squash halves with salt and pepper to taste.
Next, stuff the squash centres. You can fill the cavities with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, cooked meat, or vegetables. For a traditional South African flavour, fill the gem squash with creamed sweetcorn and cover it generously with cheese. For a sweeter option, mix together salt, pepper, honey, diced butter, and brown sugar, and divide the mixture between the squash halves.
Baking
Place the stuffed squash halves on a baking sheet or tray, ensuring they are evenly distributed to avoid buckling in the oven. Bake at 320 °F (160 °C) for 20 minutes, checking the tenderness of the squash with a fork. If the squash is not tender, continue baking for another 5 minutes or until tender.
Serving
Use a spatula or tongs to transfer the roasted squash halves to plates. You can eat the squash straight from the skin or cut up the skin and enjoy it with the sweet meat of the squash.
Storage
Leftover gem squash can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven for a few minutes or use a saucepan or microwave.
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How to cook gem squash on a stove
Gem squash is a variety of summer squash, characterised by its tough green outer skin and soft inner flesh with a delicate flavour. It is particularly popular in South Africa, where it is often cooked in a potjie, a stew cooked in a three-legged cauldron over an open fire.
To cook gem squash on a stove, start by rinsing the squash under cool water and drying it with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Use a heavy knife to slice the squash in half, holding it still with one hand to prevent it from rolling. Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon and discard them.
Next, fill a saucepan with lightly salted water and place it on your stove. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Carefully place the squash halves into the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes or until the flesh can be easily pierced with a fork.
Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the saucepan and scoop the flesh into a serving dish. You can now add your desired toppings, such as cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. For a cheesy gem squash, mix the scooped-out flesh with cheese and butter, and then cover with more cheese. Place it under the grill until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
You can also get creative with your fillings. For a creamy corn filling, sauté olive oil, garlic, spring onions, corn, black pepper, ketchup, and cream. Divide the mixture between the squash halves and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese before baking. Alternatively, create a sweet dessert filling by mixing together salt, pepper, honey, butter, and brown sugar.
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How to cook gem squash in a microwave
To cook gem squash in a microwave, start by rinsing the outside of the gem squash. Then, cut the squash in half through the middle, creating two equal parts. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.
Sprinkle the cut halves lightly with salt and arrange the halves upside down on a microwave-safe dinner plate. It is important to note that the gem squash should be cut in half before cooking, as the internal pressure may build up and cause them to explode if cooked whole.
Microwave the squash on high for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if your squash is larger or smaller than average. The squash is cooked when the flesh can be easily pierced with a fork.
Once cooked, scoop the flesh of the gem squash into a serving dish. You can now add your favourite cheese and any other desired toppings or seasonings. Enjoy!
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How to make a creamy corn filling
First, prepare your gem squash by rinsing it under cool water and drying it with a paper towel. Next, place the squash on a cutting board and use a heavy knife to slice it in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and pulp from the squash halves, and set them aside.
Now, it's time to make the creamy corn filling. In a pan, sauté one clove of chopped or grated garlic, two thinly sliced spring onions, and half a cup of fresh or frozen corn in a quarter tablespoon of olive oil. Add ground black pepper, ketchup, and cream to taste. You can also include a pinch of salt if desired. Stir the ingredients until they are combined well and slightly reduced.
Once your creamy corn filling is ready, divide the mixture between the two squash halves. Sprinkle each half with shredded cheddar cheese, or a vegan alternative if preferred. You can also add a knob of butter to each half for extra richness.
Finally, bake your stuffed gem squash in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
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