Cooking multiple squashes together: tips & cooking times
Quick answer: Yes, you can cook several squashes together in the oven, steam, or boil, adjusting the sizes and cooking times. Group together those with firm flesh (butternut, pumpkin, etc.) and monitor the progress to maintain the ideal tenderness 🔥🥄.
Cooking several squashes together: is it possible?
Good news: yes, you can cook several squashes together, whether in the oven, steamed or even boiled 💧! It's ideal for saving time, limiting washing up and varying the flavors in the same batch 🥗. The secret? Choose your varieties carefully and adapt the cuts. You can therefore combine butternut squash , pumpkin or other squashes without any problem, provided you keep an eye on the cooking times ⏱️ and textures.
💡 Gourmet tip: combine soft squash with firmer ones, for a mix of textures and tastes that changes everything!
Preparing squash: instructions
- 🧼 Clean the outside thoroughly, especially if you keep the skin (perfect for pumpkin ).
- 🔪 Cut into similarly sized pieces for even cooking. Thick slices cook more slowly, so stay consistent!
- 💡 Peeling option : some prefer to remove the skin of the butternut (thicker), others leave it on for more taste and fiber.
- 🥄 Remove the seeds and filaments with a spoon.
🎨 For a colorful look, vary the varieties: butternut squash, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, butternut squash... It changes everything on the plate!
Cooking techniques: oven, steam, water…
- 🔥 In the oven : Perfect for roasting several squashes together. Arrange them on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, season (herbs, spices), and mix well. Ideal for getting them both crunchy and tender.
- 🌫️ Steamed : ultra-fast, retains vitamins and enhances color. Great for purees or mixed soups.
- 💧 In water : practical for large pieces, or if you want to blend everything afterwards. Be careful not to overcook to avoid the purée being too watery.
- 🍳 Air fryer : fast, crispy, perfect for butternut squash or pumpkin cubes. Discover all the secrets of the air fryer in our comparison !
🥄 Mix the pieces well to ensure even cooking. If you're using varieties with very different flesh, add them at intervals (firmest first, tenderest later).
Cooking time: instructions for several squashes
- ⏲️ In the oven : 25 to 40 min at 180–200°C depending on the thickness and variety. Pumpkin cooks faster than butternut squash .
- 🌫️ Steamed : 15 to 25 min for standard pieces.
- 💧 In water : 12 to 20 min, monitor the texture with the tip of the knife.
- 🍳 Air fryer : 18 to 22 min at 180°C (ideal for cubes).
🥄 Check the cooking : the knife blade should slide in without resistance. If some pieces are already tender, remove them to prevent them from crushing.
💡 Note : The smaller the pieces, the faster they cook. If you want to cook everything together, cut the firmer varieties more finely.
Tips and mistakes to avoid when cooking multiple squashes together
- ⚖️ Balances sizes : adapts the cut according to the variety, for even cooking.
- 🥄 Mix compatible varieties : avoid combining squash with very fibrous flesh and squash with ultra-soft purée in the same dish.
- ⏰ Add in two stages if necessary: start with the firmest pieces, then add the tenderest ones during cooking.
- 👌 Check the cooking regularly to avoid overcooking, especially if you are cooking for a soup or a colorful stir-fry.
- 🔍 Be careful with the taste : some squashes have a stronger or sweeter taste, like butternut squash. It's up to you to adjust the amount according to your taste!
- ❗ Do not mix with toxic or bitter squashes : if in doubt, consult this guide on squashes not to be combined .
🥰 The little extra: add a drizzle of olive oil, spices or herbs to the cooking to boost the flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions – Cooking Multiple Squash Together
Can you combine all squashes and cook them together?
Almost all common squashes can be cooked together: pumpkin , butternut squash , butternut squash, spaghetti squash... But be careful to cut them carefully and avoid decorative squash, which are not edible 😉.
How to maintain good taste and texture?
Cut evenly, monitor the cooking and add a pinch of salt, pepper and spices. For a perfect texture, remove the cooked pieces as you go. And for extra flavor: a little thyme or cumin, it's magic ✨.
Do cooking times really vary?
Yes! Pumpkin cooks faster than butternut squash , which cooks faster than butternut squash. Cut the firmer ones into smaller cubes, or cook them first before adding the others.
Can you cook several squashes together in advance?
Yes, you can cook your squash ahead of time and keep it fresh (up to 4 days). A quick pass in the oven or pan will make it soft and tasty again 🥄.
Where to find quality squash?
On Neary you'll find butternut squash by the unit, and local Lorraine pumpkin – perfect for your autumn recipes 🍂!
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