Your Microwave is the key to safely cutting winter squash

For a few moments, zap the squash to make it easier for you to cut.

<p>Diana Miller / Getty Images</p>

Diana Miller/Getty Images

Winter squash is a classic in cold-weather cooking and for good reason. They’re sweet, tender, and filling, whether in a brothy, satisfying Butternut Squash and Pork Soup with Fish Sauce and Tender HerbsWarmly spiced in a Curried Squash GaletteOr, you can roast it like this delicious Roasted Butternut Squash with Curry Leaves. Squash is versatile and delicious. It can be hard to cut, peel and prepare squash. There’s a simple solution on your kitchen counter: the microwave. Whether you’re working with a petite honeynut, deep green acorn, or the ubiquitous butternut, the safest and easiest way to break down a squash is to start with a spin in the microwave. Allow the squash to soften and become easier to pierce with heat. chef’s knife. Here’s how to get started:

Prepare the squash first

Set the squash on a clean cutting board, and use a paring knife or chef’s knife to score the squash about 1/4 inch deep once around the circumference, resulting in a shallow groove around the entire squash. This will make it easier for you to cut the squash in half after it has been microwaved. With a fork, poke the skin with a knife. The skin can be pierced to release steam, while the squash is gently heating in the microwave. If the stem is still attached, remove it.

Next, microwave it

The microwave should be set to high power. Transfer the squash to a baking pan or plate that is microwave-safe. For large squashes like butternuts or acorns, microwave for 5 minutes. Start with three minutes for smaller squashes like Honeynut and kuri. The squash will feel warm but not hot. Let the squash rest for a while until it cools enough to handle.

Reduce the squash in half

Transfer the cooled, microwaved squash onto a cuttingboard. Holding the squash safely in place with a kitchen towel, and starting at the stem end, cut the squash lengthwise along the pre-scored line with a sturdy, sharp chef’s knife. Let gravity and the knife’s heft help cut through the dense flesh.

Take the seeds out

Use a large spoon to remove the stringy flesh and seeds from both halves. Discard the stringy flesh and save the seeds for later use. Spicy Squash Seed Sprinkle Or Rosemary-Brown Sugar Pumpkin Seeds. You can peel the squash and then cut it into pieces or chops as you need for your recipe.

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