The thick, ridged skin of acorn squash makes peeling it hard.There are a number of ways to peel acorn squash.Pick the method that works best for you.Regardless of how you plan to peel it, make sure to rinse it under cool water and then dry it off afterwards.
Step 1: For 15 minutes, place the acorn squash in a pot of boiling water.
The removal process will be easier if the squash is boiled.It's a good idea for people who don't like using sharp knives or peelers to boil the squash.The squash's texture can be altered by boiling it, like with most boiled vegetables.
Step 2: Allow the squash to rest by pouring off the water.
If you want to speed up the process, place the squash in cold water for 5 minutes.Make sure to dry the squash before cutting it.
Step 3: Cut the softened skin with a knife or peeler.
The best place to start is with the raised ridges.You can cut off the stem, slice in half, and gut the acorn squash once it's completely peeled.You can use a spoon to dig out the peel in the valleys.
Step 4: Use a fork to poke holes in squash.
Making holes around the squash will allow it to breathe in the microwave.
Step 5: The squash should be microwaved for 2 to 4 minutes.
The time length should be increased in 1-minute intervals.The removal process will be easier with the help of the microwave.For people who want to save time, microwaving the squash is a good way to do it.The texture and flavor of squash can be affected by the microwave.
Step 6: The squash can be removed from the microwave.
Allow the squash to rest for a couple of minutes, or until it's cool enough to handle.The skin should feel softer.
Step 7: The stem and bottom end of the squash can be cut with a heavy knife.
You will be able to work from the flat surface along the squash.
Step 8: The raised ridges and valleys should be Peeled with a Serrated Peel.
Work from the top to the bottom of the squash.If you have a large squash, peel the top half and then slice it in two.You can slice or cut the squash once it's peeled.
Step 9: The stem and bottom of the squash can be cut with a heavy knife.
This will make it easy to work with a flat surface.Cut the squash in half, starting at the top and working your way down.
Step 10: Clean out the inside of the body.
Scoop out the seeds and fibers with a metal spoon.The seeds are very similar to pumpkin seeds, so you can toast them in the oven.
Step 11: For 1 hour, roast the squash in the oven cut-side down at 400 F.
The cooking time depends on the size of the squash, but it should be tender when prodded with a fork.Grease the baking sheet so squash doesn't stick.
Step 12: Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool before touching it.
The squash can take up to 10 minutes to cool.If you put the fridge in, it will make the cooling process harder.
Step 13: Take a spoon and scoop up the skin.
If you only need the cooked squash for your recipe, roasting it is great, but not ideal if you want chunks or slices of the squash.
Step 14: The stem and base of the squash can be cut with a heavy knife.
A sturdy base can be created by removing the rounded ends.Don't be afraid to cut off a little more if the ends are not level after your first cut.
Step 15: The squash must be cut in half.
Make sure you have a firm grip on the squash and use a heavy knife.The squash should not be affected by the flattened surface you created.
Step 16: You can use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
corn squash seeds are the same as pumpkin seeds and can be eaten.Save the seeds to bake up later if you are feeling adventurous.
Step 17: For smaller slices, cut along the valleys of the squash.
The valleys should be used as guidelines.You can cut the halved squash into quarter dices and then use a knife to remove the skin from the dice.
Step 18: Cut each slice in half with a peeler.
The slice will most likely be triangular due to the ridge along the skin.Depending on how prominent the ridge is, some of the slices might require you to peel it first.