Winter Squash
Delicata Squash - The Sweet Potato Squash
Sometimes called "sweet potato squash" or "Bohemian squash," delicata squash is one of the tastier winter squashes, with creamy pulp that tastes a bit like sweet potatoes.
Squash is native to the Americas. Thought to be the first food cultivated by Native American Indians, squash, along with beans and corn, is part of the Indian triad of the three most important food staples. Squash seeds have been found in ancient Mexican archeological digs dating back to somewhere between 9,000 and 4,000 B.C. The first European settlers originally thought squash to be a type of melon since they had never seen them before.
The delicata squash is actually an heirloom variety, and is a fairly recent reentry into the culinary world. It was originally introduced by the Peter Henderson Company of New York City in 1894 and was popular through the 1920’s. Then it fell into obscurity for about 75 years, due to poor yields, disease susceptibility and because its thinner, more tender skin, isn’t well suited to transportation over thousands of miles and storage for months. Delicata squash will keep well at room temperature for only 4 to 6 weeks.
Preparation
Delicata squash can be baked or steamed like any other winter squash, except in this case the skin is edible. To bake a whole squash, pierce the rind with a fork and bake at 350 degrees F. for about 45 minutes. Test for doneness by piercing with a fork. Steam quarters or rings for 25 minutes or until tender. To microwave, place halves or quarters, cut side down, in a shallow dish; add ¼ cup water; cover tightly and microwave on high 6 minutes per pound.
As with all varieties of winter squash, delicata is also great for pureeing, roasting and baking. Once it is cooked and mashed, it can be used in soups, main dishes, vegetable side dishes, even breads, muffins, custards and pies. Boil or mash the squash just as you would potatoes. Or add squash cubes to your favorite soups, stews, beans, gratins and vegetable ragouts. Dress the squash with butter and herbs, a cream sauce, a cheese sauce, maple syrup and nuts, marinara sauce or stewed fruit.
Delicata is particularly suited to simple preparation. Simply slice the seeded squash into 1/3-inch thick rings and sauté in hot olive oil over medium heat until richly colored on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Turn and cook on the second side until tender. Season with your favorite herbs or a pesto of parsley, garlic and salt.
Sources: whatscookingamerica.net, www. rsfarm.com, and homecookingabout.com.