How to cut a squash safely? The chef's technique for easy and safe cutting
Quick answer: To safely cut a squash: choose a sharp knife, stabilize the squash on a cutting board, trim the ends, slice it in half by placing your hand flat on top, then remove the seeds and cut into wedges or cubes. If the squash is very hard, microwave it for a few seconds. Take your time, and enjoy easy, stress-free cutting! 🔪🥗
🔪 Ideal tool for safely cutting a squash
- A large, sharp chef's knife (never use a dull blade: it slips and that's how you get hurt!)
- A thick and stable board (wood or sturdy plastic)
- Place a damp cloth under the board to prevent slipping.
- A sturdy spoon for removing the seeds
- The Chef's Knives 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 a muscat squash. If you cook squash often, invest in a high-quality knife: it's durable and much safer!
🛡️ Safety tips for cutting a squash without risk
- Microwave the whole squash for 2 minutes (at full power) to soften the skin if it's 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 stages.
- Always slice from top to bottom, never force it towards you .
- Never cut "in the air" or without a stable support.
- Wipe your hands and the board regularly to avoid slipping 🧽.
Remember: patience is key to cooking without hurting yourself, especially with a squash! 👍
🥒 Which squashes and which cuts?
- Butternut : thick skin, sweet flesh, easy to cut if well stabilized. Peel before dicing or cubed.
- Butternut squash : thin, edible skin, tender flesh. Ideal for soups, stir-fries, and gratins. Often easier to cut!
- Butternut squash, spaghetti squash, patidou squash…: same method, adjust the thickness of the cut according to cooking.
Looking for recipes or a comparison to make cooking easier? Discover our selection of air fryers for perfect roasted squash! 🍽️
How to avoid getting hurt when cutting a squash?
Always use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. Claw your fingers around the squash to protect them, cut slowly, and don't hesitate to microwave the squash to make it easier to cut. If you're not comfortable, ask for help: sometimes it's more fun with two! 👩🍳👨🍳
Is it easy to peel a squash?
Yes: for butternut or muscat squash, peel it after cutting off the ends and slicing it in half. A sturdy peeler or paring knife will do the job. Potimarron squash doesn't need to be peeled: the skin becomes tender when cooked! 😋
What should be done with the seeds?
Don't throw them away! Rinse them, dry them, and roast them in the oven with a little salt, paprika, or curry: they're delicious as an appetizer or in a salad. Zero waste and full of flavor! 🌱
Any tips for dealing with very hard squash?
If the squash is tough, microwave it for a few minutes, or plunge it into boiling water for just 1-2 minutes (be careful when removing it!). You can also ask the greengrocer to cut it in half when you buy it.
What dishes should be prepared after the carving?
Creamy soup, gratin, roasted cubes, stir-fry, risotto, purée… anything is possible! Discover our individual butternut squash or Lorraine potimarron squash to mix things up. 🥗🔥
🎃 How to cut a squash safely: an easy method (chef)
Take your time, don't hesitate to go over the same area several times with the blade, and above all: always keep your fingers curled to avoid cutting yourself. That's the secret to safely slicing squash, even for beginners! 😍