If you love the sweet and savory flavor of butternut squash or pumpkin, you’ll want to add kabocha squash (also known as a Japanese pumpkin) to your Low FODMAP diet. The winter squash is versatile and lends itself well to a plethora of cooking methods.
When it comes to cutting this vegetable, a sharp knife is crucial. A dull knife can slip and lose control, whereas a sharp one can bite precisely into the flesh.
Use a Sharp Knife
Kabocha squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of ways. Its sweet orange flesh is delicious and rich in nutrients.
You can also cut kabocha squash into cubes and slices, and these are great to use in soups, casseroles or stir fries. They’re easier to cook than whole kabocha squash, and they are a great alternative to traditional butternut or pumpkin squash.
The best way to cut kabocha squash is with a sharp knife. It can be a bit tricky to cut through kabocha’s tough skin, but it is possible.
Once you have a good grip on the squash, start cutting it in half. Poke the sharp end of a knife into one side of the stem, and then use the blade to rock the squash back and forth to cut down the length.
Once you have made a single cut in each half, remove the seeds and the pithy inner core of the kabocha. These can be composted or roasted for a snack.
Soften the Skin
Kabocha squash is a sweet winter squash that can be sliced or grated into thin slices to add flavor and texture to dishes. It can be used in a variety of recipes and is high in nutrients.
If you’re making a dish with kabocha squash, you’ll want to soften the skin before peeling it. This will make it easier to handle the squash and you’ll also find that cutting kabocha is a lot less messy than peeling a hard, brittle rind.
The most common way to soften the skin of a squash is to parboil it for a few minutes. If you don’t have access to this method, you can microwave a kabocha or any other squash for 2 to 4 minutes before peeling.
Use a Stable Cutting Board
Using a sturdy cutting board to cut kabocha squash is important. It needs to be stable, otherwise it will roll around and you won’t be able to cut it easily. Alternatively, you can cradle it in a dish towel and cut it on the towel.
The first thing to do is remove the stem and any woody areas near the base of the squash. This will help you to cut through the green skin easier, and will make it much more stable to work with.
After removing the stem and woody areas, lay the squash on a cutting board with its flat side down. This should be stable, but if it is wobbly, you may need to make another cut at the bottom of the squash to even it out.
Then, use a chef’s knife or utility knife to separate the peel from the flesh. You can compost the peel, or save it for vegetable stock.
Place the Squash on the Cutting Board
Kabocha squash is a popular seasonal vegetable enjoyed around the world. It’s sweet, hearty, and a great addition to many dishes.
You can roast, boil, steam, mash, stew, and fry it as you please. The bright orange flesh of kabocha squash is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
If you’re preparing a dish with tempura-fried kabocha squash, you can cut it in half first to make it easier for the batter to adhere to the skin. Once you have the kabocha sliced in half, dip it into the batter and then fry it until it’s golden and crisp.
Before you cut kabocha squash, it’s important to soften the skin and remove the seeds. Doing so will allow you to peel the squash easily and safely.