How To Cook Kabocha Squash

Kabocha is a sweet Japanese squash that is incredibly smooth and creamy when cooked. It makes a great alternative to puréed cooked pumpkin and butternut squash to use in baked goods. Look for dark green squash with a dull rind without any soft spots.

How to cut kabocha

Before you attempt to cut into your kabocha squash, pierce it all over with a knife and then microwave it for two to three minutes.

How to roast kabocha

To simply roast it, cut it in half, de-seed it and then slice it into wedges. Drizzle the wedges with oil and put them flesh-side down in a 400 F oven until tender. Like acorn squash, the tough rind is edible.

Kabocha squash recipes

Roasted Winter Squash with Fermented Grains

This warm vegetable side can be a feast in and of itself: It has a base of spiced, roasted squash that’s bulked up with grains and then topped with a clutch of fennel and herbs. The collection of components brings texture, colour and freshness to the party. The green chili paste in the dressing, a simple Middle Eastern shatta, is particularly effective, with its vibrant heat offering a welcome contrast. Get Tara O'Brady's roasted winter squash with fermented grains recipe.

Produced by Chantal Braganza and Sun Ngo, Photography by Christie Vuong, Prop Styling by Catherine Doherty, Food Styling by Eshun Mott.

Cherry Pork Chops With Roasted Kabocha Squash And Brussels Sprouts

A sweet-tart cherry sauce pairs perfectly with pork chops for a recipe that takes 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes to get on the table. Get our cherry pork chops with roasted kabocha squash and brussels sprouts recipe.

Photo, Erik Putz.

Soba Noodle Salad With Soft Eggs, Kale And Kabocha

This sumptuous, filling salad is topped with eggs and healthy veggies. Get our soba noodle salad with soft eggs, kale and kabocha recipe.

Soba noodle salad with soft eggs, kale, and kabocha.
Photo, David L. Reamer.

Sugar And Spice Roasted Kabocha Squash

Sugar, spice and everything nice goes into this fall-ready side. Get our sugar and spice roasted kabocha squash recipe.

Sugar and spiced roasted kabocha squash (Photo: Erik Putz)

Homemade Sage And Pumpkin Ravioli

Got another squash in mind? Feel free to swap pumpkin purée for roasted and blended butternut, kabocha, delicata or buttercup—any kind of flavourful fall or winter squash that strikes your fancy. Get our homemade sage and pumpkin ravioli recipe.

Photography, Erik Putz. Food styling, Ashley Denton. Prop styling, Catherine Doherty.