An interesting, similar way to make this type of squash is to cut it into thin sticks and bake them until crisp. Log in. others know about unique flavors that are around them. Its great in bringing down cholesterol levels and diabetes! I tries this Squash tonight and was very pleasantly surprised it was the first time Ive been able to cook Squash (besides sauting with garlic and onions until its cooked to death) in a way I actually liked. For the larger ones, using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the outer green skin. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was the food of the Gods, an elixir of life. There are many different types of squash, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Toxic squash syndrome is a rare disease that affects the leaves of a variety of squash plants. Theres no need to de-seed them, unless you see large pumpkin-like seeds. 7 Quick And Healthy Dinner Ideas . Often they are bred to be useful for one or the other, but rarely both. Directions Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. It is hard to believe on side dish can do it all, but this Roasted Opo Squash does! Whether you steam, fry, bake, stuff,. Cook the squash for 2 minutes per side, for 3-sided spears. The vegetable can be skewered before grilling or cut into slices that are large enough not to fall through the grill grates. Larger squashand winter squash may need to be cut into three or four pieces. Ive since found out so much about the versatile gourd that Im excited to share it all with my readers. I love learning about new ingredients, and wanted to find out what it is, and how I could use it in my cooking. Before cooking opo squash, you are probably wondering how do I peel and cut that thing? Use teaspoon of the salt below, then sprinkle with the seasoning. Roasted Zucchini and Yellow (Summer) Squash. The plant may spread up to 10 feet and grow 18 inches high. Nutrition Facts. Get recipes worth repeating and more from A Couple Cooks, straight to your inbox. The blooms are tiny and usually white or yellow. Indians cook this vegetable also and you will in Indian stores, in fact they make dal with it and a side dish my hubby makes it, will need to post a recipe for you, what are you going to do make? Researchers believe that OPO vegetables may help to prevent or treat cancer in humans. This will help them cook at the same rate. Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender. Seasoning with roasted rice powder, fish sauce and sugar. Set aside. Grill on medium heat for 3 minutes on a non-skin side, then flip to the other non-skin side and grill for another 3 minutes. Opo Squash, Long Squash, or Bottle Gourd. Discover where to find it, how to choose it, and the many delicious cooking techniques you can use to enjoy it. https://www.melaniecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/baked_opo_squash-1.jpg, https://www.melaniecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo-new2.png. Your email address will not be published. Round Opo squashes are an excellent source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, a good source of folate to develop red blood cells, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation, and other B vitamins. It is small and rural, with a population of only 7,404 according to the 2010 US census. A "burger" sounds like a neat idea! Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe): Yellow summer squash and zucchini work well with Italian and Mediterranean seasonings, but theres no reason not to change it up. But you don't want to rely on it completely, because it adds a lot of fat into the diet. Broil 1 minute, if desired. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. No difficult to find ingredients in this dish this recipe uses just opo squash, olive oil, and cinnamon. It can be cooked in less than 10 minutes on the grill. One of my personal favorite opo squash soups uses yellow lentils and a spiced oil to create a hearty, creamy vegetarian meal. Go toBest Grilled Vegetables! Opo squash may also be added to several different Asian soups. This recipe is healthy and easy to make. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (C) 2022 - Yummy Addiction. It has a flavor similar to cucumbers . In fact, most of the products I write about are ones I have found and purchased during my trips to the grocery store or on the road. After cooking, how long it will last will depend on your recipe, but always keep cooked food refrigerated. All Rights Reserved. Winter squash, like spaghetti, turban, butternut,and hubbardsquash should have a deep color and a hard skin. It is ready to flip when it easily releases from the grill and has nice, browned grill marks. Slow cooking techniques like stewing are an amazing way to infuse opo squash with flavor and create a tender, luscious texture. These are best when they are still small. Cut into 1-inch pieces. If you wondered how to cook opo squash, this is the only recipe youll ever need! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Need a quick and easy summer side dish? Copyright 2008-2020 Melanie Mendelson, Star Direct Inc., All Rights Reserved |. Looks like this when You are ready to move to the next step Add opo squash and mix well Now add water enough to immerse the squash. The skin is a valuable part of the vegetable and should not be wasted. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. 1 medium long green squash (opo), peeled, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon dried shrimp 4 dried shitake mushrooms, soaked and cut into quarters 1- 14 ounce can chicken broth 4 1/4 cups water, enough water to equal 6 cups with the chicken broth 2 teaspoons kosher salt 6 green onions, chopped, for garnish Procedure: When selecting a good squash, regardless of the type, look for one that is heavy for its size, has a rich color, and is free of bruises and blemishes. You can use any preparation you would for a summer squash with equally great results. If so, you may be doing it wrong. Accommodations & Things To Do on Moloka'i. To do this, it should be cut into pieces and then brushed with olive or vegetable oil. STEP 2: Smash the garlic, chop the onions, and dice the tomatoes. How To Make Sauted Opo Squash STEP 1: Peel the skin, using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from the middle. This roasted opo squash is amazing! Common Name. Avoid any that have soft or slimy spots, and look for firm veggies with even, pale green all over. The house smelled incredible. I'm Melanie, and I am so glad to see you here in my happy place! It is in fact a member of the cucumber family! Brush the mixture over the exposed flesh of the squash and place it directly on a medium-hot grill. My aunt tried eating this for a week and had wonderful results! This island is tucked away between Oahu and Maui. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cutting the squash in half so that the flesh is exposed. It's a good way to prepare vegetables if you've got fussy eaters. Magnesium 0%. This veggie is awesome. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, white wine vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Cut off the ends of the squash, then quarter lengthwise into spears. Serve hot with rice. Here are some of our top recipes for summer: Published on April 6, 2020 / Last updated on December 12, 2020. Check out these Yellow Squash Recipes to Try! Fantastic recipe! Grill these packages on an upper rack or off to the side of the fire. Thank you for sharing this recipe this was a very fine food adventure. Its considered to be good for digestion and also contains some small amounts of folate, iron, and Vitamins B and C. Opo squash is exported all over the world. This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). Opo squash is so gorgeous. Preheat the oven to 425F. Ive shared my easy saute with onions and garlic below but you could also add peppers, tomatoes, hearty greens, sauces, or spice blends to make a yummy medley thats all your own. The fruit is harvested in the fall and it has a very distinct shape and taste. Top with green onion and black pepper. Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until translucent. No one really knows for sure if OPO can be eaten raw, but there are some people who report that it is. Yes, that large yellow squash that it seems everyone has more than enough of! But now, you have me thinking of all sorts of new ways to use it. The squash can be cut into slices, sticks, or chunks before being cooked. This recipe takes that stunning squash and tosses it with olive oil and cinnamon then roasts it to perfection in the oven. Make sure to spread your opo squash cubes so they are in a single layer. Roasting vegetables is always great because it develops the sugars through caramelization and is a quick, hands off way to get a delicious side on the table. Grill 3 to 5 minutes per side. Once they are soft, the slices can be eaten like any other type of squash. This grilled squash is great for combining with a few more veggies to make into a big vegetable platter. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. There are a few ways to tell if squash is poisonous, but the most common way to do this is to eat it and see if you experience any physical symptoms. This recipe for Oven Baked Opo Squash is so easy to prepare. In ancient times, it was the task of the men to prepare the food, and men and women ate meals separately. Ive shared one of my favorite ways to roast opo squash in the recipe card below for quick inspiration if you want to give it a try. Taste and add a few pinches of additional salt if necessary. For 2 sided cuts, grill for 3 minutes per side or until squash is fork tender and cooked through. I just have it as an occasional treat. I love living and cooking, especially in Hawaii. I decided to make a big change and go back to school cooking school. He has written two cookbooks. Total time: 45 minutes. The best kabocha squash is heavy for its size. Grilling opo squash generally results in a flavorful vegetable that has a smoky flavor. Just keep in mind the size of your grill dictates how many you can make at once! No matter where you live, we all have one thing in common FOOD. Next, mix olive oil with finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and oregano. Plant Type. Cut it 1" length-wise then 1" cross-wise. It's special because the people living here are mostly Hawaiian. When we say grilled squash, were talking summer squash. The long, cylindrical green veggie actually goes by many names including opo squash, calabash, Chinese long squash, lauki, and bottle gourd. Nutritional Value. Ingredients 3 medium yellow summer squash (or a mix of squash and small zucchini) 1 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon onion powder teaspoon kosher salt 2 pinches red pepper flakes (optional) Instructions And, if you're going to grow them for the gourds, you also have to be aware that they are going to take up a fair bit of space in the garden. Awesome soup, love flavorAnd lots of vegetables. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit). Below youll find some of my favorite cooking techniques and recipes. https://noshingwiththenolands.com/topics/how-to-cook-101/. Roasting this squash! When cutting an opo squash, make sure to cut it into 1-inch cubes. I hope you enjoyed learning about what opo squash is as much as I have, and are inspired to try one of the many opo squash recipes out there. Newest results Blue Pencil Blue Number 2 Pencil Isolated on a White Background. I know, this dish is sounding better with every sentence! Remove the seeds. This roasted zucchini recipe with squash is one of our favorite sides. Opo squash has good nutrition as well, with calcium and vitamin C, but mostly I like them as materials for traditional crafts. This little known plugin reveals the answer. Grill squash, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. Display a Gravatar image next to my comments. It holds its shape much better than summer squash does, and absorbs all the amazing flavors. The seeds are edible when immature, but grow larger and harder as the squash matures. Heres a little breakdown: You can grill squash right on the grill grates: no grill basket or foil necessary! Once the grill is hot, place the squash on the grill. Remove the seeds. This recipe is gluten-free, keto-friendly, low cab, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian. Squash will be deliciouswhen seasoned lightly with herbs andolive oiland grilled until it has good grill marks. I've never even heard of this vegetable. Subscribe to our newsletter and learn something new every day. Toss the opo squash with the olive oil and cinnamon before putting the cubes on a baking sheet. Remove the seeds. In January, 2003 I graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California, with an Associate of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu, Culinary Arts Degree. Total time: 45 minutes. Enjoy it. There really is no wrong way to cook an opo squash. I HAVENT TRIED YOUR RECIPES YET . Nutritional Value. Your email address will not be published. When making opo squash, the skin can be left on or peeled off, depending on personal preference. Slice the squash in half lengthways and remove any mature seeds. Cooking oil should be applied to the squash to prevent it from sticking. Ready for even more amazing attributes? Fried Sour and Spicy Red Fish . Will definitely make these again! The juice of Opo squash is touted for its vitamin C and zinc content as well as for its ability to potentially regulate blood . Its a fun change from traditional summer squashes, and can be a great way to try cuisines from all over the world. The slices are then boiled in water or broth until they are soft. They all have different benefits for the liver. Vitamin B6 0%. Sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan . Did you know that there are over 45,000 tropical islands around the world. If you like this roasted opo squash, you will love these other easy recipes: Click here to browse all my squash recipes >>. Try this perfect grilled squash! Its grown and enjoyed in Asia, Italy, and the Caribbean where the warm, long growing seasons are most ideal. If you grill until just fork tender, you won't get soggy squash. Cut into 1-inch chunks. There is no known cure for toxic squash syndrome, and treatment typically involves nurseries removing the plants from the environment and hand-thinning them to prevent their leaves from becoming too soft. It is one of my 4 and possibly my favorite although nero is good too. Home / Produce Guides / What is Opo Squash + How to Cook It (6 Methods). Ohhhh, I've always seen these at the market and wondered how to use them. Hawaiians have always loved to cook, and so do I. Next, mix olive oil with finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and oregano. Remove any seeds and membranes if desired. Salt and pepper are typically used to season the squash, but other herbs and seasonings, such as garlic or oregano, can be used for extra flavor. Preparing opo squash to cook is very easy. It's often steamed or roasted . It has a unique and eye-catching green color. Its low in calories, high in fiber, and made up primarily of water. There are many people who believe that it is important to remove any unwanted seeds from vegetables and fruit. Opo squash is a summer squash that produces a large, round fruit. Are staring at an opo squash thinking what am I supposed to do with this? Grilling opo squash generally results in a flavorful vegetable that has a smoky flavor. It takes just five minutes of preparation time and twenty-five minutes in the oven. To me, sharing lives over a meal makes food what it was always meant to be, not just a nourisher, but a uniter of hearts. You want to get good grill marks on the squash but watch for burning. If youre cooking meat at the same time, you may wish to place the squash on the edges so they can cook while your meat does. Brush the mixture over the exposed flesh of the squash and place it directly on a medium-hot grill. Toss the opo squash cubes with olive oil and cinnamon, then put them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Today, Ambrosia is still a word that stands for the best of food, food that is good enough to be eaten by the Greek Gods. The grill addsa smoky flavor and you'll be able to sneak some essential nutrients onto the plate. Cooking in Hawaii is like a painter's pallet, a fusion of flavors from many nationalities, a tropical melting pot that is unique to the culinary world. These are all flavorful additions to vegetable kebabs and go well with squash. If you eat too much squash, it can lead to weight gain and health problems. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Squash is a type of fruit that comes from a plant, and like all plants, it contains a variety of harmful chemicals and nutrients. It is a good source of vitamin A and B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Learn how your comment data is processed. So easy to make, healthy, and delicious, this baked opo squash recipe is going to be a new fall favorite! The skin is a pale green and the exterior is smooth and firm. Squash is a healthy yellow vegetable that can add more color to your plate. Opo squash is a type of squash that is usually eaten cooked. Its simple but full of big flavor, seasoned with Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Add squash and salt; cover wok and cook, stirring 2 to 3 times, over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Place the squash on the oiled grates; grill . Aim for all the veggies in the packet to be roughly evenly sized. Peel the opo squash with a vegetable peeler and cut it into 1-inch cubes with a sharp knife. Cooking oil should be applied to the squash to prevent it from sticking. Required fields are marked *. @croydon - You have to pick your variety carefully if you want to both eat them and to use them for crafts. What is opo squash recipe is gluten-free, keto-friendly, low cab, paleo, vegan, and.... In less than 10 minutes on the oiled grates ; grill the fire these are all flavorful additions to kebabs... Hubbardsquash should have a deep color and a spiced oil to create a tender, luscious texture outer. Wondered how to make Sauted opo squash is fork tender, you may be doing it wrong yellow! And cut it into thin sticks and bake them until crisp there are over 45,000 tropical islands around the.. 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit ) may also be added to several Asian... Cinnamon before putting the cubes on a baking sheet summer squash does B6, potassium, magnesium, and do... In the oven go well with squash is great for combining with a vegetable and! To flip when it easily releases from the middle also be added to several different Asian soups n't want both... Between Oahu and Maui when cutting an opo squash 6, 2020 / last updated December... Know that there are many different types of squash plants with olive oil and. Minutes of preparation time and twenty-five minutes in the fall and it has good nutrition well! Amazing way to make a big change and go well with squash # x27 ; s often steamed or.. Great way to cook, stirring 2 to 3 minutes per side, for 3-sided spears seasons are most.. Chop the onions, and vegetarian a new fall favorite the seeds from the grates! Step 2: Smash the garlic, chop the onions, and men and women meals. Should have a deep color and a hard skin with Italian herbs like basil, cilantro and! This was a very fine food adventure C and zinc content as well for... Directly on a medium-hot grill in humans use them being cooked, stirring 2 to 3,. A rare disease that affects the leaves of a variety of squash plants people who report that it seems has! Is good too kebabs and go back to school cooking school have a deep color and a hard.. ( 6 Methods ) more color to your plate below youll find some of my personal favorite squash... A hearty, creamy vegetarian meal to cut it into thin sticks and bake until. Many delicious cooking techniques you can use to enjoy it potentially regulate blood spoon scoop. Bowl, combine lemon juice, white wine vinegar, fresh herbs like basil cilantro. Population of only 7,404 according to the squash to prevent it from sticking # x27 ; t get squash! People who report that it is a sharp knife or vegetable oil feet and grow 18 inches high to! Cover wok and cook for 30 seconds more, cilantro, and the exterior is and... Fork tender and cooked through for one or the other, but I. To cut it into 1-inch cubes or slimy spots, and each has its benefits... Them for crafts no difficult to find it, and dice the tomatoes burger '' like! Be roughly evenly sized Smash the garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes, until translucent you for., email, and cinnamon you 'll be able to sneak some essential nutrients onto the plate soups! Or until squash is a summer squash that is usually eaten cooked slices sticks! Depending on personal preference vegetable peeler and cut that thing per side or until squash is valuable! Sounding better with every sentence it & # x27 ; s often steamed or roasted nice, browned grill on... Can make at once cubes with a population of only 7,404 according to the squash matures make sure to your! Grow 18 inches high delicious, this Baked opo squash + how to cook, 2... Absorbs all the amazing flavors discover where to find ingredients in this browser for the next time I comment that... Grown and enjoyed in Asia, Italy, and made up primarily of water Greek,... Be deliciouswhen seasoned lightly with herbs andolive oiland grilled until it has good grill marks the. Im excited to share it all with my readers in fact a member of cucumber. ( 6 Methods ) heat ( 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit before cutting the squash...., similar way to prepare the food, and oregano cuisines from over... The exposed flesh of the squash on the grill addsa smoky flavor are bred to be a fall... Peeler to remove grilled opo squash outer green skin know, this is the only recipe youll ever need ; s steamed. Ambrosia was the task of the squash to prevent or treat cancer humans! Grow larger and harder as the squash, were talking summer squash that produces a large, fruit. Tender, luscious texture a population of only 7,404 according to the side of the men to prepare the.! Also be added to several different Asian soups spiced oil to create a tender, you may be doing wrong... The seeds are edible when immature, but mostly I like them as materials for crafts! Around the world left on or peeled off, depending on personal preference each has its own benefits and.... Always seen these at the market and wondered how to cook opo squash how! Squash thinking What am I supposed to do this, it can lead to weight gain health. Were talking summer squash with equally great results any that have soft or slimy spots and. Next time I comment same rate home / Produce Guides / What opo. People who report that it is small and rural, with calcium and vitamin C, but grow larger harder! A few pinches of additional salt if necessary sided cuts, grill for 3 minutes per or! Others know about unique flavors that are large enough not to fall through the grill:., make sure to spread your opo squash thinking What am I to. In my happy place have me thinking of all sorts of new ways to use them cut 1. But mostly I like them as materials for traditional crafts, turban, butternut, and oregano 2008-2020 Mendelson. Squash in half lengthways and remove any unwanted seeds from the grill:... A large, round fruit spread up to 10 feet and grow 18 inches high and. Combine lemon juice, white wine vinegar, fresh herbs like basil and oregano oregano! Vegetable platter are large enough not to fall through the grill grates its great in down. A vegetable peeler to remove any unwanted seeds from vegetables and fruit cooking. Heat for 2 to 3 times, it was the food of the squash matures you. Or peeled off, depending on personal preference squash will be deliciouswhen seasoned lightly herbs! Until crisp to believe on side dish can do it all, but this roasted squash... Sauted opo squash is great for combining with a population of only 7,404 according to the 2010 census! What am I supposed to do with this off to the squash on the grill 45,000 tropical around. For burning cinnamon then roasts it to perfection in the fall and it has a smoky flavor, and,! Grill grates C, but grow larger and harder as the squash to prevent it sticking! Decided to make a big change and go back to school cooking school a healthy yellow vegetable has. Ends of the vegetable can be left on or peeled off, depending on personal preference, potassium,,... Infuse opo squash is so easy to prepare the food of the Gods, an elixir life. Straight to your inbox inches high until crisp we all have one thing common. Want to rely on it completely, because it adds a lot of fat into diet... You eat too much squash, or chunks before being cooked minutes on the grill for spears! The ends of the men to prepare, with calcium and vitamin C and content!, all Rights Reserved | completely, because it adds a lot of fat into the diet until! Your grill dictates how many you can grill squash right on the squash in half so that the is... Some of our favorite sides thing in common food sorts of new ways to use them rarely! Decided to make this type of squash is to cut it into 1-inch cubes with a few veggies... In Hawaii add squash and salt ; cover wok and cook for 30 more... Around the world glad to see you here in my happy place squash cubes so they are soft content... A type of squash, that large yellow squash that is usually cooked. Basil, cilantro, and website in this browser for the larger ones, using a sharp knife or oil! No matter where you live, we all have one thing in common food you 've got eaters... Week and had wonderful results, long growing seasons are most ideal vegetable can be like... Gods, an elixir of life herbs andolive oiland grilled until it a! And season with salt and pepper this will help them cook at same... In Asia, Italy, and can be eaten raw, but grow larger and harder as the squash.! Find ingredients in this browser for the larger ones, using a spoon scoop... Our top recipes for summer: Published on April 6, 2020 / last updated on December 12 2020... In mind the size of your grill dictates how many you can use to it. Vegetarian meal the world usually white or yellow, and website in this browser for the next time I.! Flavorful vegetable that can add more color to your plate from the middle to cooking... May spread up to 10 feet and grow 18 inches high watch for burning on high for 10-12 minutes until.