Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been fascinated with cooking. I remember watching my grandmother prepare delicious meals in the kitchen, and I knew I wanted to be just like her. Over the years, I have experimented with countless recipes and techniques, but one method that has always stood out to me is cooking cubed squash in the microwave. It is quick, easy, and the results are absolutely delicious. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step guide on how to cook cubed squash in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you get started, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
Tools:
Prepare the Squash
The first step in cooking cubed squash in the microwave is preparing the squash itself.
1. Start by washing the squash under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off both ends of the squash.
3. Stand the squash upright on one of its cut ends and slice it down the middle from top to bottom. You should now have two halves.
4. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and discard them. You can also save them for later use if you like.
5. Once the squash is cleaned and prepared, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Cube the Squash
Now that the squash is ready, it’s time to cube it.
1. Lay one of the squash halves flat on a cutting board, cut side down.
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the squash crosswise into half-inch thick slices.
3. Arrange the slices in a single layer, then cut them into half-inch cubes.
4. Repeat this process with the second squash half.
5. You now have perfectly cubed squash ready to be cooked.
Cook the Squash in the Microwave
Now comes the fun part – cooking!
1. Place the cubed squash in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure it is large enough to hold all the cubes in a single layer.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the squash cubes, ensuring that each piece is lightly coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to toss the cubes around and evenly distribute the oil.
3. Season the squash cubes with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or herbs you prefer. Be sure to taste a piece to make sure the seasonings are to your liking.
4. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Leave a small vent to allow steam to escape.
5. Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 5 to 7 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on the squash and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6. After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and give it a gentle stir. This will help ensure even cooking.
7. Return the dish to the microwave and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
8. Once the squash is cooked to perfection, remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Transfer the perfectly cooked cubed squash to a serving dish and serve it hot. You can enjoy it as a side dish, mix it into salads or pasta, or even use it as a topping for pizza or tacos. The possibilities are endless!
Cooking cubed squash in the microwave is a quick and easy alternative to traditional stovetop or oven methods. Not only does it save you time, but it also allows you to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the squash. So why not give it a try? I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!