How do you make delicata squash easier to cut?

Trim the ends, then slice the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Cut each half into three long pieces, using the green stripes on the skin and the natural indentations they provide to make easy cuts . Cut the pieces into cubes.

Do you eat the skin on delicata squash?

The delicata is actually named for its delicate, edible skin , so there is no need for peeling here. The rind of these cylindrical, striped vegetables is similar in texture to a summer squash like zucchini, and becomes perfectly tender when cooked.

Are you supposed to peel delicata squash?

Because you can eat the skin, there's no need to peel the squash before you chop it . Start by slicing it in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the stringy flesh. Finally, cut the seeded squash halves into thick slices.

How to tell if delicata squash is bad?

You'll know delicata squash has gone bad if it has wrinkles or soft spots . Also, if the seeds look slimy or their color is off, you'll know it's spoiled. The seeds are normally a cream or white color. Typically, they'll be covered in the flesh of the squash.

Is delicata squash healthy?

It's high in fiber, which can help decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease . Delicata squash also has a ton of potassium: One cup delivers a whopping 500mg of the mineral, which can help control your blood pressure.

Why is my delicata squash oozing?

And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled . Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten. Color - the outer skin of the squash is a quick way to check for any sign of spoilage.

Can delicata squash be eaten raw?

While eating raw delicata squash isn't the craziest thing , delicata really shines when it's cooked, and in particular, when it's roasted. The best thing about roasting delicata squash? It's super easy.

What are the white spots on my delicata squash?

White spots on squash and melon foliage are usually caused by one of two things: disease or natural variegation . One can be a problem, while the other is not! Fungal diseases like powdery mildew causes white spots on zucchini leaves and other plants. Powdery mildew is very common and may require treatment.

Should delicata squash be refrigerated?

Storage tips: Winter Squash is best stored between 55-65 degrees, however, Delicata squash does not store quite as well as heartier varieties like Acorn and Butternut. Place in a cool dry room in your house ( do not refrigerate ) and it should last 3 months.

What if a squash is too hard to cut?

The best way to soften any squash is to roast it to n the oven . I slice butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and put the halves face down on an oiled baking sheet. Roast at 375°F until a knife slides easily into the meat of the squash, 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the squash.

How do you hack squash to cut?

Start by making several large slits through the skin with the tip of a sharp knife. This helps the air release as your squash heats up (so your squash doesn't explode when you microwave it). Next, microwave the squash on high for approximately 3-5 minutes to soften the skin, which makes it easier to cut.

How to cut squash easily?

Some squashes can be pretty hard; to help with the cutting you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap on the ends of the knife to help push the knife down through the squash. Scrape out the seeds: Use a metal spoon to scrape out the seeds and the stringy pulp from the squash cavity.

Quinoa Bowl with Delicata Squash Recipe

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Nourishing Quinoa Bowl topped with roasted delicata squash, avocado and cucumber drizzled with a delicious and creamy almond dressing.

Quinoa Bowl with Delicata Squash Recipe » LeelaLicious (1)

At the beginning of the month I let you in on my re-commitment to better eating this year.

I've also picked up on my short-but-daily workout again. This wasn't a resolution, but it's something I just need for physical and mental well-being. As a new work-from-home mom I just don't get as much physical activity as I used to.

A few months after Olivia was born, I came across the Bikini Body Mommy Challenge and started the 2.0 series on Youtube. Then, December came and with it birthdays, anniversaries, family visits and the holidays, of course. Needless to say, working out somehow fell off my radar completely.

Revitalized Health Goals

Now, a few days back I found out that edition 3.0 just started in early January, which gave me enough motivation to start up again. Anyone else (mommy or not) looking for an easy-to-follow-along workout routine, check out Briana's blog here.

During my first round with BBM, I ran into a few issues. One of them was finding the right time of day for the workout + shower afterwards. I tried to time it with Olivia's nap time, but often she wouldn't even sleep 20 minutes (this is how long the sessions are usually).

So this time around, I am doing the workouts first thing in the morning. I never thought I would say this, because I never was a morning person. And I still am not. But Olivia usually wakes up earlier than I would like and wants to play. First thing in the morning she loves to play just by herself. I end up sitting on the couch browsing my phone until I wake up enough to start the day.

Now, this has become my workout time. I don't even have to think about a time to work out and I am not awake enough to come up with a million reasons not to do the workout today. Yeah, although I need it, I don't love exercising.

Quinoa Bowl with Delicata Squash Recipe » LeelaLicious (2)

Yoga For Joint Pain

Another issue I experienced working out last year was joint pain - especially at night time. Intense enough to keep me from falling asleep. I don't know why I didn't think about this earlier, but now I am coupling exercise in the morning with a short yoga session in the afternoon (thank you nap time).

I learned this a few years back while working a physically demanding job that kept me on my feet all day. During that time I was complaining to my husband first thing upon waking up about how my entire body was aching. Once I started doing yoga though, that completely stopped.

My favorite way to do yoga (I am an absolute beginner) is the Yoga Studio App on my iPad. A while ago it was on one of those free app of the week cards you get at Starbucks. There are a tonof pre-made classesand you can even put together your own customized session.

We Need Nutritious Food To Fuel Our Healthy Habits

Anyway, my hope is thatsharing all this with you, will keep me accountable to keep up this good direction I've started on.

With this additional activity in my life, I need good nutrition to keep my body going. Something that is filling, easy to prepare, and generates lots of leftovers is these nourishing quinoa bowls.

Quinoa Bowl with Delicata Squash Recipe » LeelaLicious (3)

Filled With Tasty, Healthy Vegetables and Quinoa

I used red quinoa, mixed with chickpeas and parsley and topped it with roasted delicata squash - which might have become my new favorite squash. I love that it requires no peeling and is roasted in as little as 20 minutes. Enough time to cook the quinoa and prepare the dressing and other toppings. That's another plus of this recipe. That is, being able to do two things at once.

I used sliced cucumber and avocado to top the bowls with, but other vegetables that you have on hand will work too. For some of the leftovers, I added a bit of roasted beet. Yum.

The bowls are finished off with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and a delicious creamy almond dressing.

When I just prepare this meal, I enjoy it warm. Leftovers, however, taste just as great when cold. This also makes a fantastic lunch to pack along.

Nourishing Quinoa Bowl with Delicata Squash

5 from 3 votes

Nourishing Quinoa Bowl topped with roasted delicata squash, avocado and cucumber drizzled with a delicious and creamy almond dressing.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Salad

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 medium delicata squash
1 cup quinoa seeds I used red quinoa
1 cup chickpeas canned; drained and rinsed
½ cup parsley chopped
1 avocado peeled and sliced
⅓ field cucumber halved and sliced
¼ cup pine nuts toasted

Creamy Almond Dressing:

3 tablespoons almond butter
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon liquid honey
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon each salt, black and cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F. Clean the outside of the delicata squash and cut off ends. Half the squash and scrape out seeds. Cut into ½-inch thick slices, toss with a drizzle of olive oil and salt + pepper.
Place onto a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes; turning after 10.
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Slowly stir in quinoa and turn heat to low. Simmer without a lid until the water has evaporated and quinoa is soft (about 20 minutes).
Take quinoa off heat. Stir in chickpeas and chopped parsley, cover and set aside to let the chickpeas warm up.
In a bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
Divide quinoa mixture into 4 bowls. Top with roasted squash, avocado and cucumber slices and toasted pine nuts.
Drizzle with the dressing.

Notes

Leftovers can also be enjoyed cold.

Keyword Quinoa Bowl

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment below! Share a picture on social media with tag #leelalicious !

Pin this Nourishing Quinoa Bowl (with Delicata Squash) recipe for later?

Quinoa Bowl with Delicata Squash Recipe » LeelaLicious (5)

For an Asian version with red rice try this fantastic

Thai-Style Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

In addition to the Thai Buddha Bowl, check out these similar recipes!

Russian Beet Salad
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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
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Random Questions

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa?

The healthiest way to consume quinoa is by pairing it with nutritious vegetables and proteins, like chickpeas and fresh herbs. Additionally, incorporating healthy fats, such as avocado and pine nuts, can enhance the nutritional value.

What's good to eat with quinoa?

Quinoa pairs well with various vegetables, including cucumber, roasted delicata squash, and beets. Additionally, adding protein sources like chickpeas and nuts, along with flavorful dressings, can create a delicious and nutritious meal.

How long does it take to cook quinoa?

Typically, quinoa takes around 15 to 20 minutes to cook. It's essential to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter-tasting residue. Use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa for optimal results.

Are quinoa bowls hot or cold?

Quinoa bowls can be enjoyed both warm and cold, depending on personal preference. While some prefer the warmth of freshly prepared quinoa bowls, leftovers can be equally delightful when served chilled, making them a convenient and tasty option for packed lunches.

Quinoa Bowl with Delicata Squash Recipe » LeelaLicious (2024)