🎃 How to Cut a Squash Safely: Easy Method (Chef)

🎃 How to Cut a Squash Safely: Easy Method (Chef)

1. Wash the squash well under running water to remove any dirt and impurities (yes, even if you plan to peel it! 🧼). Dry it thoroughly.
2. Place it on a stable board (to prevent it from slipping: slide a damp cloth under the board if necessary).
3. Trim the ends with a sharp chef's knife: remove the stem and base. This creates a perfect base to prevent it from rolling.
4. Slice the squash in half : Place one hand flat on top to hold it, then cut slowly from top to bottom. Go slowly, let the weight of the blade do the work!
5. Remove the seeds : Use a large spoon to scrape out the inside 🥄. The seeds come out easily.
6. Cut into quarters or slices : depending on the recipe (soup, oven, wok, etc.), cut into quarters, slices, or cubes. To peel, first microwave the squash for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin if it is tough (a hassle-free tip!)
7. Peel if necessary : ​​the skin of the pumpkin can be eaten (it's great!), the butternut squash almost always needs to be peeled 🔥.

Take your time, don't hesitate to run the blade over several times, and above all: always keep your fingers folded to avoid cutting yourself. This is the secret to safe squash cutting, even for beginners! 😍

🔪 Ideal equipment for cutting squash safely

• A large, sharp chef's knife (never a dull blade: it slips and that's when you get hurt!)
• A thick, stable board (wood or sturdy plastic)
• A damp cloth under the board to prevent slipping
• A sturdy spoon to remove the seeds
• The Couteaux du Chef blog is full of ideas for maintaining your knives and choosing the right model 😉

Tip: A wide peeler is perfect for peeling butternut squash or butternut squash. If you cook squash often, invest in a high-quality knife: it's durable and much safer!

🛡️ Safety tips for cutting squash safely

• Microwave the whole squash for 2 minutes (maximum power) to soften the skin if it is too hard. Wait a little while before handling it (be careful of the steam!).
• If the squash is very large, ask someone to hold it or work in two batches.
• Always slice from top to bottom, never forcing it towards you .
• Never cut “in the air” or without stable support.
• Wipe your hands and the board regularly to avoid slipping 🧽.

Remember: patience is the key to cooking without hurting yourself, especially with squash! 👍

🥒 Which squashes and which cuts?

• Butternut : thick skin, sweet flesh, easy to cut if well stabilized. Peel for dice or cubes.
• Pumpkin : thin edible skin, tender flesh. Ideal for soup, wok, gratin. Often easier to cut!
• Butternut squash, spaghetti, patidou…: same method, adapt the cutting thickness according to cooking.

Looking for recipes or a comparison to make cooking easier? Discover our selection of Air Fryers for perfect roasted squash! 🍽️