The majority of what I eat is locally-produced, even in winter.  In the summer and fall, the ease of eating local in Western Washington is pretty obvious: the market is full of fruits, vegetables, and animal products in all forms of tasty goodness.  But in winter?  Eating local in winter isn’t as hard as you might think.  In addition to what I’ve stocked in the freezer or preserved in other ways, my winter is full of soups and stews, beans, meats, fish, nuts, fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, roots, fats, dairy, fermented foods, and that hearty winter favorite, squash.

I love winter squash.  The varieties differ in their nutrients, but many of them are very rich in vitamin A/beta carotene, and good sources of vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Squash has a low glycemic load, and is filling.  It holds sauce well and complements meats and vegetables alike.  It mashes, it mixes, it stands alone.  Spaghetti squash, kabocha, crookneck, butternut, acorn, red kuri, delicata, hubbard... I can’t get enough of it.  I eat it all winter, and I don’t get sick of it.

How?  Here’s a tip: vary it up.  Squash is one of the most versatile foods, and it also shines when it’s kept ultra simple.  Roasted squash, maybe with a little butter and salt is delicious, and needs else nothing done to it.  But you might not want to eat it every day. 

Luckily, there are many, many other delicious things you can do.  This fall and winter, we’ll sporadically highlight some varied recipes for winter squash.  Some of these will follow as more complete recipes in the future, but for those of you just looking for concepts, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Squash Lasagna

With or without noodles, layers of baked winter squash mix beautifully with greens, sautéed mushrooms and onions, tomato sauce, cheese, and whatever else you like in lasagna.  It bakes into a warm, hearty and comforting meal.

Squash Mash

Mash squash with celeriac, cauliflower, or potatoes.  Add sautéed onions, fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and cream.  Eat as a side dish or main course.

Puréed Squash Soup

It’s not just for butternuts anymore.  Puréed squash soup is one of the easiest and most comforting winter meals.  Keep it as simple as possible, with sautéed onions and maybe one fresh herb to complement the flavor of the squash.  Try adding some apple or pumpkin in as well for a very autumnal flavor.

Thai Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

I featured a recipe for this recently.  Squash goes beautifully -- and traditionally -- with the warm, fatty goodness of a coconut milk soup.

Squash Desserts

Did you miss the pumpkin-hazelnut-chocolate bars?  Don’t.  Squash and pumpkin can also be used in pies, tarts, cookies, muffins, quick breads, spreads, or whatever else you like.  For those limiting wheat/grain intake, squash is a great binder and pairs well with non-wheat or non-grain flours.

Squash Appetizers

Challenge: what appetizers or party finger food can you enhance by adding in a dab of roasted squash?  Squash fritters, bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, squash spreads and dips for vegetables, sushi... where can’t you use squash?  Wait, don’t answer that.

Squash Gnocchi

The Italian favorite, gnocchi, can be made with squash instead of potato.  Serve with butter and parmesan or a tomato sauce or gorgonzola.

Squash Ravioli

I don’t eat a lot of pasta these days, but I admit, squash ravioli is delicious.  Add a little sheep cheese and black pepper in the filling and eat it with butter and sage...  Wow.  Points to anyone who makes a non-grain squash ravioli recipe before I do...

Roasted Squash with Root Vegetables

In the middle of a dreary, wet winter, picture a platter of roasted colorful-contrast vegetables like beets, squash, carrots, potatoes, and turnips.  Add some cheese and a fork.

Roasted Squash with Chicken

Squash goes well with many meats, but with roast chicken it’s superb.  Cut it into pieces and roast it right in the pan with the chicken.  Let it soak in juices.

Stuffed Squash

You scrape the seeds out of a squash and, well, there’s this big, empty space.  You want to put something there, right?  Chopped vegetables, dried fruits, rice, nuts... there are all sorts of creative ways to stuff a squash.

Squash and Beans

These foods grow together well and go together well.  Your favorite bean dish is likely delicious with a side of squash or some squash mixed in.

Spaghetti Squash with Sauce

Okay, it’s not spaghetti.  But spaghetti squash is arguably more delicious and definitely better for you.  Try it with olive oil, butter and parmesan, with tomato sauce and meatballs, or with sautéed mushrooms.  Miss the noodles too much?  Mix some in.  Spinach egg noodles are particularly good mixed with spaghetti squash.

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What are some of your other favorite ways to use winter squash?