Microwave Acorn Squash

Why you'll love this?

1. Cooks in a fraction of the time compared to the oven.
2. Make them sweet, savory or stuffed.
3. It is low in calories, packed with nutrition and a great vegetarian side dish.

Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

1. Acorn Squash - Look for one that feels heavy for its size and dark green skin with orange patches from where it sat on the ground.
2. Water - It creates steam when cooking in the microwave, which helps cook the vegetable soft.
3. Seasonings - This microwave acorn squash recipe is made sweet with a hint of savory notes from salt and pepper.
4. Butter - A dab of butter adds richness and makes it taste irresistible.

Variations

Microwave acorn squash has a buttery flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory seasonings. Although these are amazingly delicious served according to the recipe, here are a few other suggestions to try:

1. Other sweeteners - Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar.
2. Spicy - Add a dash of cayenne and cumin powder.
3. Fall spices - Dash of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger.
4. Garlic - Garlic powder, black pepper and grated parmesan cheese.

1.Add 3 tablespoons water into a microwave safe baking dish.

2. Cut the acorn squash in half vertically. Scoop out the seeds using a large spoon and discard or use for roasting. Place it flesh side down. Microwave for 7 to 9 minutes.

Tip: Don't toss the seeds. Check out this recipe for roasted seeds. It makes a healthy snack!

3 & 4. While the squash is cooking, mix melted butter, brown sugar, salt and black pepper together in a small bowl.

5. Check if the acorn squash is tender by inserting the tip of a knife into it.

Cooking time - Microwave cooking times will vary depending on the wattage and size of the vegetable. The advantage of this microwave acorn squash recipe is that you can easily test for doneness and adjust the timing. It is done cooking when a knife or fork can pierce the tender flesh and the vegetable feels soft to touch.

6. Using tongs, flip the squash over.

7. Drizzle mixed butter on the flesh and pour the remaining, along with the seasoning into the cavity. Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes or until golden and tender.

How to serve?

Serve the microwave acorn squash for weeknight dinner with chicken dishes. They can also be stuffed with various fillings. Here are some suggestions:

• Quinoa and vegetables - Combine cooked quinoa with a mix of cooked or roasted vegetables and feta cheese.
• Apple and cinnamon - Fill with a mixture of diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar. Top with a crumble made from oats, flour, and butter. Use the crumble topping recipe from peach crumble.
• Sausage and apple - Combine crumbled sausage with diced apples, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, sage, and a touch of maple syrup.
• Mushroom and wild rice - A mixture of wild rice and sautéed mushrooms with garlic and onions.
• Cranberry and pecans - Mix dried cranberries and chopped pecans with a little honey or brown sugar.
• Sweet potato and marshmallow - Combine mashed sweet potatoes, mini marshmallows, ground cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Lentil and spinach - Mix cooked lentils with sautéed spinach, garlic, and a tomato-based sauce.
• Pumpkin pie - Make a filling with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

How to store leftovers?

• Fridge: Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Scoop flesh and use it to make pasta dishes or omelet.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or warmed through.
• Freeze: Freeze portions in zip lock bags for up to 4 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.

Helpful tips

• Cook in batches if needed -If you are cooking a larger acorn squash and it does not fit in your microwave, then cook one half at a time.
• Choose your tenderness - Cook as soft as you want, although it is delicious when cooked soft enough to be scooped with a spoon.