Skip to main content
Epicurious

Winter Squash

These robust, versatile gourds come in a range of quirky shapes, colors, and textures, from the striped carnival squash to the elongated butternut. They’re delicious, simple to prepare, and packed with a host of powerful nutrients.

Ingredients

Preparation

  1. HEALTH BENEFITS

    Step 1

    Winter squash get their incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from beta-carotene (which your body automatically converts to vitamin A) and high levels of vitamin C. They also provide significant amounts of potassium (good for bone health), vitamin B6 (essential for the immune and nervous systems), and plenty of fiber, making them an especially heart-friendly choice. Folate adds yet another boost to their heart-healthy reputation and, when consumed during pregnancy, helps guard against birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

  2. HOW TO BUY

    Step 2

    Look for squash that are firm, free of mold, and heavy for their size.

  3. HOW TO STORE

    Step 3

    Squash can keep for several months in a cool, dry, dark spot.

  4. PREPARATION TIP

    Step 4

    Winter squash present the home cook with many culinary possibilities. Place a halved squash, cut side down, on an oiled baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400˚F for 30 to 40 minutes, until you can pierce it with a sharp knife. Or you can remove the skin using a vegetable peeler and cut the flesh into chunks for roasting, steaming, or sautéing. Once cooked, mash the squash, puree it for soup, or fold it into a pasta or risotto dish. Butternut and acorn squashes pair particularly well with sage.

  5. DID YOU KNOW?

    Step 5

    Native Americans referred to winter squash as “the apple of God” and planted seeds near their homes, believing that this would promote fertility.

  6. recipes

    Step 6

    Arugula with Maple-Roasted Pumpkin p.190

    Step 7

    Wilted Kale with Cranberry Beans and Delicata Squash p.202

    Step 8

    Vegetable-Rice Bowl with Miso Dressing p.235

    Step 9

    Butternut Squash Curry p.251

    Step 10

    Roasted Fall Vegetables p.294

Power Foods
Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in May
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Whole Lemon Bars
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilled Salmon With Dill Chimichurri
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
Charred Vegetable Ragù
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Miso-Peanut Hibachi Chicken
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.