Gem squash is a lovely veggie that can add flair to any meal because of its distinctive form and flavorful flesh. This little, circular squash is nutrient-rich in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.
One of the greatest ways to cook gem squash is to steam it, which keeps its rich color, texture, and nutrients intact. We’ll go over how to steam gem squash correctly in this recipe, along with some variants and helpful hints to make cooking even more enjoyable.
What Is Gem Squash
Gem squash, sometimes called “baby marrow” or “pattypan squash,” is a member of the Cucurbita family of vegetables. Its flesh is soft and tasty, and its skin has a deep green color. Gem squash complements many dishes with its somewhat nutty flavor when cooked correctly. This adaptable vegetable, which is high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A and C, can be eaten on its own or as a component of a bigger meal.
Choosing the Ideal Gem Squash
Look for gem squash that are weighty and firm for their size when selecting one. The skin need to be flawless, devoid of any imperfections or tender places. Compared to larger squashes, smaller squashes are usually sweeter and softer. To further support environmentally friendly farming methods and steer clear of chemicals, think about buying organic gem squash.
How to Steam Gem Squash
Before steaming gem squash, proper preparation is key to ensuring a delicious outcome.
To start, give the squash a good cleaning under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris. After cleaning, you can decide whether to chop them in half or steam them whole.
Entire Steaming
Simply cut off the stem end of the gem squash to produce a flat surface that will help it stay stable while cooking if you would rather keep it whole. This allows the squash to cook evenly without losing moisture or taste.
Reduced Steaming by Half
Quarter the gem squash lengthwise for faster cooking and better flavor absorption. Scoop out the seeds from the middle with a spoon. This technique yields more uniform results and increases the surface area available for subsequent seasoning.
How to Steam Gem Squash: The Steaming Process
You will need an electric steamer or a saucepan with a steamer basket in order to steam gem squash properly. Here’s how to move forward:
Just enough water should be added to your pot to create a steam without completely immersing the squash—about one inch.
Make sure the steamer basket is not in contact with the water when you place it over the pot.
Place the cooked gem squash, cut side up if it has been halved, in the steamer basket.
Place a lid on the saucepan and increase the heat to medium-high so that the water boils.
After the squash reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and let it steam for about ten to fifteen minutes if it is half or twenty to thirty minutes if it is entire.
Use a fork to test the doneness of the meat; it should be soft but not mushy. If needed, keep steaming until cooked through, a few more minutes at a time.
See also: Beetroot salad with chutney
Enhancing Flavor: Seasoning Options
While knowing how to steam gem squash is delicious on its own, adding seasonings can elevate its taste profile significantly. Here are some delightful options:
Easy Seasoning
For a traditional technique that brings out the sweetness of the squash, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with melted butter or olive oil after steaming.
Infusion of Herbs
To add a fragrant touch, mix fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme with steamed gem squash. For even more flavor depth, you may also add finely chopped garlic or sautéed shallots in olive oil.
Citrus Zest A squeeze of lemon or lime juice and some zest will make a big difference in how your food looks. The sweetness of the squash is expertly counterbalanced by the acidity.
Cheese Garnish
If you enjoy cheese, try adding some grated Parmesan or feta cheese to your steaming gem squash while it’s still warm. The cheese will soften a little and produce a deep contrast in flavor.
Serving Ideas
Depending on your preferred method of eating, there are several ways to serve steamed gem squash:
As Side Dish
Steaming gem squash is a nutritious side dish that goes well with any protein, especially when paired with grilled chicken or fish. Its vivid color gives your platter more visual appeal.
With Salads
Gem squash can be used to salads to add texture and nutrients by chopping it into bite-sized pieces after steaming. It is a great addition to cold salads with leafy greens or warm salads with grains like quinoa.
Gem Squash Stuffed
An even heartier option would be to pack steamed gem squash halves with cooked grains, veggies, nuts, and spices, then pop them into the oven for a quick bake.
How to Cook Gem Squash with Sweet Corn
2 gem squash
1 can (approximately 400g) of creamed sweet corn
2 large spring onions, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons of olive oil
Optional: 1 teaspoon of hot sauce for added spice
½ cup of grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Gem Squash
To begin, cut the gem squash into pieces for cooking.
Clean the Squash: To get rid of any dirt or debris, give the gem squash a quick rinse in cold water.
Slice the squash: Every gem squash should be cut in half around the equator. Use a spoon to delicately remove the seeds if you want to save them for planting. If not, take out the seeds and continue.
Steam or Bake: The squash halves can be baked or steamed. To steam, put them in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam until they are soft, 10 to 15 minutes. If baking, bake the halves cut side up for approximately 15 minutes, with the oven preheated to 200°C (400°F).
Conclusion
Learning how to steam gem squash is an easy yet rewarding cooking technique that brings out its natural flavors while preserving its nutritional benefits. This adaptable vegetable can improve any meal, whether it is eaten as a straightforward side dish or added to more complex preparations. You can adjust the spice to suit your taste preferences and make your food unique.
The next time you’re looking for a nutritious addition to your dinner table, try this dish! Savor exploring a variety of textures and serving options while learning about the benefits of steamed gem squash!
