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Here’s what to make with red kuri squash, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ignored this little pumpkin for so long.
Red kuri squash is a Japanese winter squash with a sweet, chestnut-like flavor that works in soups, curries, roasted dishes, and even baked goods.
Its smooth, orange flesh needs no peeling in most cases, which makes it one of the easiest squashes to cook with.
So whether you’re asking yourself what to make with red kuri squash for dinner tonight or you just brought one home from the farmers market, this post has you covered.
In this post, we’ll explore what to make with red kuri squash, including soups, sides, main dishes, and sweet treats you’ll love.
Let’s get into it.
What to Make with Red Kuri Squash: The Best Ideas
When you’re figuring out what to make with red kuri squash, the options are honestly endless because this squash is so versatile.
Here are the best things to make with red kuri squash.
1. Creamy Red Kuri Squash Soup
The most popular thing to make with red kuri squash is a velvety, creamy soup.
Roast the squash with olive oil, garlic, and onion, then blend it with vegetable stock and a splash of coconut milk.
The natural sweetness of red kuri squash means you barely need any seasoning beyond salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
This is the perfect recipe to make with red kuri squash on a cold evening.
2. Roasted Red Kuri Squash Slices
If you’re wondering what to make with red kuri squash that’s simple, roasting is your answer.
Cut the squash into wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs like rosemary or thyme, and roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
You can make red kuri squash this way as a side dish, and the edges caramelize beautifully in the oven.
The skin is tender enough to eat, which is another reason it’s so easy to make red kuri squash without fuss.
3. Red Kuri Squash Curry
Another great option for what to make with red kuri squash is a hearty coconut curry.
Cubed red kuri squash holds its shape well in stews and curries, soaking up spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
You can make red kuri squash curry with chickpeas, spinach, and a creamy coconut base for a filling meatless meal.
Serve it over rice to make red kuri squash the star of a cozy dinner.
How to Prepare Red Kuri Squash Before Cooking
No matter what you decide to make with red kuri squash, the prep is basically the same.
Here’s how to get it ready.
1. Wash and Cut the Squash
Rinse the outside of the squash, then cut it in half with a sharp knife.
Red kuri squash has a relatively thin skin, so it’s easier to cut than butternut or acorn squash.
Once halved, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
2. Leave the Skin On
For most dishes you make with red kuri squash, you can leave the skin on.
It softens completely during roasting or simmering, so there’s no need to peel.
This saves you time and keeps the nutrients intact when you make red kuri squash recipes.
3. Save the Seeds
Don’t toss the seeds if you want another snack to make with red kuri squash.
Rinse them, toss with oil and salt, and roast them at 300°F until golden.
They make a crunchy topping for soups or salads you make with red kuri squash.
Sweet Things to Make with Red Kuri Squash
Red kuri squash isn’t just for savory cooking.
Its sweet, nutty flesh works beautifully in baked goods too.
1. Red Kuri Squash Pie
You can make red kuri squash pie as a richer, more flavorful swap for pumpkin pie.
Roast and puree the flesh, then mix it with eggs, cream, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Pour it into a crust and bake until set.
2. Red Kuri Squash Muffins
Another easy treat to make with red kuri squash is muffins.
Fold pureed squash into a standard muffin batter with nutmeg and cloves.
The result is moist, tender muffins you’ll want to make with red kuri squash all season long.
3. Red Kuri Squash Bread
You can also make red kuri squash bread, which is basically pumpkin bread with a deeper flavor.
Mash or puree the cooked squash and blend it into a quick bread recipe.
Add walnuts or chocolate chips if you want to make red kuri squash bread even more indulgent.
So, What to Make with Red Kuri Squash?
What to make with red kuri squash comes down to how you want to enjoy its sweet, nutty flavor.
You can make red kuri squash soup, roast it as a side, simmer it in curry, or bake it into pies and breads.
The skin is edible, the seeds are roastable, and the flesh is incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re searching for what to make with red kuri squash for a weeknight dinner or a holiday dessert, this squash delivers every time.
Grab one at your local market, pick a recipe, and see for yourself what to make with red kuri squash.