ZUCCA / WINTER SQUASH

I don’t know how you feel about that but… don’t you struggle every night to think about what to cook for your family?! I do😂. And most of the times I make very quick, simple dishes. I would love to share with you what Lea and I prepare and get some inspiration from you. Like… how do you make butternut squash soup? I don’t have a go to this was 20min quick one

Me and my sous chef

Sauteé garlic in coconut oil, add the dices butternut squash and brown it, add broth (I had some from risotto of last night) or water. Cook for about 20’. In the meantime sautee the shiitake mushrooms with oil and garlic. Make croutons, bread and oil, in the pan. Finish with oil and pepper.

The next day I had it with sour cream and Pumpkin seeds.

For me this soup doesn't need potatoes or cream. I am even skipping onions as I want to taste the squash.

Other my go-to soup variations:

• Nutmeg and a drizzle of mixed EVO (2/3) and Balsamic (1/3)

• Hazelnuts and Rosemary

• Ginger, Turmeric and Miso

• Dairies: Goat cheese, sour cream, Gorgonzola

Other squash cooking ideas:

I used regular Butternut Squash, sweet and nutty, and versatile. My favorite is Kabocha. Even sweeter than other squashes, and a taste that remids me of chestnuts.

I feel bad to throw it into a soup and for me the best way to cook it, is simply to slice it, toss it with salt, pepper, olive oil, couple of smashed garlic cloves and rosemary and roast it at 390 for 30', until is soft enough to be poked with a fork.

The next day, I throw it into a salad or a bowl with rice and tempeh or tofu or I put it in the pan and with sauteé kale and feta.

Pasta with Butternut squash: Roast it, blend it with oil, some Parmigiano and pasta waterfinish cooking your pasta in it and add bacon at the end.

And risotto of course!

In the fall, my favorite ravioli are with Zucca.

The filling has: Parmigiano ( a lot!), Butternut squash, Amaretti, Nutmeg and mostarda.

Full recipe here

You can do anything with Squash! From soups to desserts (tomorrow at Lea's school they are preparing chocolate Pumpkin Bread yum!).

What are you usual way to cook it?