Microwave - Spaghetti Squash, Small Hubbard Squash

Montana Heart Song's Note:

I was looking at recipes and saw good ones of how to cook squash. Here is another one. I pick firm hard skinned 2 to 4 pounds. Wash. This is fast, kids can do this, let Mom or Dad take out of microwave.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 whole spaghetti squash or 1 whole hubbard squash
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Wash the squash.
2. Poke holes in the top and sides with a tined fork. About 6 times.
3. Set microwave on 70% power. Cook 15 minutes.
4. Moisture and steam will seep from the vent holes.
5. The skin should start to be soft and pliable.
6. Note of Caution: I was just notified that a squash exploded when it was cooked on high power. Since this recipe was written and I have no way of knowing the wattage of each microwave, DO NOT COOK ON HIGH POWER. continue to cook at 5 minute intervals at 70% power. The skin should be very soft and pliable.
7. The whole squash should be soft and pliable.
8. If not, cook a few minutes more.
9. Take out of microwave, let set for a few minutes. THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT.
10. On cutting board, cut in half. Clean out the seeds.Clean out all of the flesh. Add the salt and butter. All of the flesh is considered to be spaghetti strands in Spaghetti squash.
11. Ready for both types of squash to be baked, mashed or served. Ready to add more butter, sauces, sour cream, pasta sauces or garlic and onion, or brown sugar for hubbard squash. The kids love to scrape the squash and pop a few strands in their mouths in the process.

Reviews

[BecR]

This is how we've been cooking our winter squash for many years. Acorn and butternut squash, too. Perfect every time. Tips: Be sure to prick the squash twice deeply with a fork, place on paper towels to catch any spills, and rotate the squash midway through cooking. Use caution when removing from the microwave, as squash will be very hot and will continue to steam and cook for several minutes more. When squash is cool enough to handle, carefully slice open and scoop out the seeds and any tough, stringy parts. Serve seasoned with salt and pepper and fresh butter. Yum! Thank you, Montana Heart Song, for sharing this most excellent recipe! :) Becky

[MissChiChi]

I cooked my spaghetti squash this way and it took only about 10 minutes! My microwave does not have a "power" option, only a turn dial for time. I cooked my whole squash without vent holes, and I rolled it over halfway through. Perfect!

[Dwynnie]

This method worked very well and saved dinner as my DH wasn't home in time to cut the squash! And while I would still rather cut the squash in half and bake it as usual, this is a great option to have. Cooking the squash did take about 15 minutes longer for me (still on 70% power), but still took less time than the oven! I also used a bit more salt and butter, then topped each portion with parmesan (our favorite way to eat spaghetti squash). Thank you!