They are the squash type that often gets dried out and used as various different items, like calabashes, or musical instruments, or even just as a nice looking fall decoration. Assuming you cut the squash to 1/2-3/4 inch thick and cook the squash over medium high heat, it will likely take 3-4 minutes per side. Grilled 'Opakapaka with Hawaiian Butter Sauce. So easy to make, healthy and delicious! In January, 2003 I graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California, with an Associate of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu, Culinary Arts Degree. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Kimberly's products are sold in retail outlets on most of Hawaii's islands. Its an incredibly easy ingredient to use and is popular in a lot of different cuisines around the world. It was originally cultivated in North Africa over 10,000 years ago, and has since spread all over the world. I've never seen Opo squash. Newest results Blue Pencil Blue Number 2 Pencil Isolated on a White Background. Place the squash on the oiled grates; grill . It is a great source of fiber and has a sweet flavor. WAIT, don't toss the shells away. Grill them with indirect heat for about 15 minutes. And, if you're going to grow them for the gourds, you also have to be aware that they are going to take up a fair bit of space in the garden. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe): Yellow summer squash and zucchini work well with Italian and Mediterranean seasonings, but theres no reason not to change it up. So easy to make, healthy, and delicious, this baked opo squash recipe is going to be a new fall favorite! Top with green onion and black pepper. The skin and flesh of opo squash can be very bitter, which may be the result of the seed coat being tough and the flesh being mealy. Toss 1 1/2 pounds sliced summer squash and 1 sliced onion with olive oil, salt and pepper. Fried Sour and Spicy Red Fish . Ive since found out so much about the versatile gourd that Im excited to share it all with my readers. Get recipes worth repeating and more from A Couple Cooks, straight to your inbox. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. 1. Awesome soup, love flavorAnd lots of vegetables. The best kabocha squash is heavy for its size. Truly genius! I don't want to discourage people, but most of the time space in the garden is at a premium and if something isn't producing food, or getting to that point, I don't tend to want to keep it around. Avoid any that have soft or slimy spots, and look for firm veggies with even, pale green all over. Your Roasted Opo Squash is sure to be tender, tasty, and flavorful! It takes just five minutes of preparation time and twenty-five minutes in the oven. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can easily use inspiration from Thailand, Vietnam, India, or China to make an amazing soup with bottle gourds. It is one of my 4 and possibly my favorite although nero is good too. After cooking, how long it will last will depend on your recipe, but always keep cooked food refrigerated. Display a Gravatar image next to my comments. Cobalamin 0%. There are a few reasons why it is important to do this. These are best when they are still small. Important: Keep in mind many of these blends have salt included. Make sure to spread your opo squash cubes so they are in a single layer. Clean out all the seeds and strings and wash the cut squash. This means that it can be a good source of calories and carbohydrate. Copyright 2008-2020 Melanie Mendelson, Star Direct Inc., All Rights Reserved |. I know, this dish is sounding better with every sentence! For 2 sided cuts, grill for 3 minutes per side or until squash is fork tender and cooked through. Check out this unique vegetable. Oct. 4, 2022 ulam tanghalian..bagay na bagay talaga ang shrimp na sahog sa opo napaka sarap at malasa..kaya subukan mo ito at tiyak magugustuhan ito ng buong. Add the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic if using. Check for salt and spice. Flavor and texture will be best in the summer through fall. They are very delicious. Toss the opo squash cubes with olive oil and cinnamon, then put them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Squash is a healthy yellow vegetable that can add more color to your plate. Add squash and salt; cover wok and cook, stirring 2 to 3 times, over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. All text and photos 2011-2022 tastinghawaii.com, a Tasting Hawaii, LLC website. I try to live in harmony with the seasons by choosing local produce and ingredients that are at their peak of perfection. It is ready to flip when it easily releases from the grill and has nice, browned grill marks. It is a good source of vitamin A and B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. But you don't want to rely on it completely, because it adds a lot of fat into the diet. Brush the mixture over the exposed flesh of the squash and place it directly on a medium-hot grill. Preparing opo squash to cook is very easy. If youre interested in trying OPO raw, its best to do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Oven-Roasted Pattypan Squash With Shallots and Herbs. Hawaiians have always loved to cook, and so do I. Bake 25-30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. It holds its shape much better than summer squash does, and absorbs all the amazing flavors. This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). This detailed guide will teach you all about what opo squash is and how to cook it at home. 2 slices: 178 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. The skin is a valuable part of the vegetable and should not be wasted. Add 1/2 - 3/4 cups water, depending on size of dish. Make sure that the pieces are even and are not too thick, or they will cook too slowly. I'm Melanie, and I am so glad to see you here in my happy place! Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until translucent. Its easy to grill up this tasty summer side dish. When making opo squash, the skin can be left on or peeled off, depending on personal preference. Are staring at an opo squash thinking what am I supposed to do with this? If you are trying to cut down on calories or lose weight, then eating less squash may be a better idea. Larger squashand winter squash may need to be cut into three or four pieces. The slices are then boiled in water or broth until they are soft. Theres no need to de-seed them, unless you see large pumpkin-like seeds. It's not particularly healthy, but another really nice way of having opo squash is to coat them in tempura batter and fry them up that way. But now, you have me thinking of all sorts of new ways to use it. Taste and add a few pinches of additional salt if necessary. Place pul qua squash, cut side down, in a microwave-safe dish. Cooking in Hawaii is like a painter's pallet, a fusion of flavors from many nationalities, a tropical melting pot that is unique to the culinary world. They love the old ways of aloha, where family comes first, helping your neighbor is important, and growth and tourism is not in their vocabulary. I had that for the first time in a Japanese restaurant and I've been making it at home ever since. You can probably find it at your local grocery store near the other squashes. Tastes good hot or cold and reheats well in the microwave. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Want to grill all the veggies? What a great idea! It looks as lovely as it tastes. Go toBest Grilled Vegetables! OPO vegetables are vegetables that have a special ability to cause cancer. Before cooking opo squash, you are probably wondering how do I peel and cut that thing? Its used often in Indian and Chinese cultures, and may be more easily found at stores that specialize in those ingredients. Opo squash is a summer squash that produces a large, round fruit. Cooked opo squash has few nutritional benefits over raw opo squash. Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450F). If you grill until just fork tender, you won't get soggy squash. Remove any seeds and membranes if desired. The seeds inside the squash are edible, but they can be removed if desired. Accommodations & Things To Do on Moloka'i. Peel off the skin with a knife or a peeler. After 35 years in the advertising business I thought it's time to expand my horizons. If youre cooking meat at the same time, you may wish to place the squash on the edges so they can cook while your meat does. Learn about the history and all of the fun facts that go along with the Cucuzza Squash. Peel the opo squash and cut in half lengthwise. Like so many vegetables today, theyre available all year long, but it does have a peak season. Roasting this squash! Click on the logo above to visit her website and see her products. An interesting, similar way to make this type of squash is to cut it into thin sticks and bake them until crisp. I've never even heard of this vegetable. If youre having trouble finding it, head to your local Asian markets. Its low in calories, high in fiber, and made up primarily of water. This 170 page cookbook has over 120 recipes like: "Roasted Beet Bruschetta", "Cream of Artichoke Soup", Celery Root Salad with Capers and Lemon", "Roast Pork with Dried Fruit", "Shirred Eggs with Lobster", and "Plum Crumble". The peeled, Firma opo squash is a type of squash that has been cleaned and then thinly sliced. All text and images on this site are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any way or form without the expressed written consent of James Temple. Cook over medium heat until the garlic starts to sizzle and become fragrant. Put them in a cup and fill it with 1 cup of water and set aside. I hope you enjoyed learning about what opo squash is as much as I have, and are inspired to try one of the many opo squash recipes out there. Its skin is edible, as are the vegetable's seeds and stems. When it comes to fall cooking, the gorgeous opo squash is a great addition. Want the new recipes in your inbox? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 7 Quick And Healthy Dinner Ideas . This easy side dish doesnt require any fancy seasonings or sauces. However, there is some concern that eating the skin of opo squash could be harmful to your health. But, its well-loved in different cuisines for its ability to absorb other flavors. Serve hot with rice. Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. Opo squash has good nutrition as well, with calcium and vitamin C, but mostly I like them as materials for traditional crafts. To me, sharing lives over a meal makes food what it was always meant to be, not just a nourisher, but a uniter of hearts. Pierce skin with fork. In Italy, a slightly different, more slender variety is called cucuzza. Top Posts. Log in. Since Asian dishes tend to use many flavorful ingredients, the squash usually absorbs the other flavors. Its great in bringing down cholesterol levels and diabetes! It is also found in many grocery stores. Place the squash on a medium to medium-high grill (around 350 to 375 degrees). Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Broil 1 minute, if desired. Learn how your comment data is processed. Slice the squash into 1/4-inch thick circles, and place in a 913-inch baking dish. Opo squash is a type of squash that is eaten uncooked as a vegetable. I'm Jovita and this is my corner of the internet, where I share my favorite recipes and stories from my life. Fall can bring a bumper crop of winter squash varieties. Opo squash is high in vitamins A and C. How To Grow Opo Squash. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. CALORIES: 43.4 | FAT: 2.4 g | PROTEIN: 1.3 g | CARBS: 5.5 g | FIBER: 2 g. Dear Melanie, The peeled, Firma opo squash is a type of squash that has been cleaned and then thinly sliced. Great picture! It's special because the people living here are mostly Hawaiian. Your email address will not be published. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was the food of the Gods, an elixir of life. https://noshingwiththenolands.com/topics/how-to-cook-101/. Calcium 1%. Make mixed vegetable kebabs with vegetables such as eggplant or peppers and onions. Brush your kebabs with Italian dressing 30 minutes before grilling to add flavor. When properly cooked, the squash should be warmed through and slightly tender, while still having some crispness. https://www.melaniecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/baked_opo_squash-1.jpg, https://www.melaniecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/logo-new2.png. When selecting your squash, avoid any that are longer than 15 inches long. Ingredients 4 yellow squash (or other squash) 1 tablespoon olive oil teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper Instructions Cut off the ends of the squash, then quarter lengthwise into spears. It is small and rural, with a population of only 7,404 according to the 2010 US census. For the larger ones, using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the outer green skin. Another quick way to get an opo squash dish on the table is by sauteeing it. Aim for all the veggies in the packet to be roughly evenly sized. When cutting an opo squash, make sure to cut it into 1-inch cubes. Its simple but full of big flavor, seasoned with Italian herbs like basil and oregano. No matter where you live, we all have one thing in common FOOD. Its considered to be good for digestion and also contains some small amounts of folate, iron, and Vitamins B and C. Opo squash is exported all over the world. No one really knows for sure if OPO can be eaten raw, but there are some people who report that it is. Grill squash, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. Opo squash, a type of squash, is a popular fruit in the African continent. Researchers believe that OPO vegetables may help to prevent or treat cancer in humans. It is also rich in fiber and is believed to help aid in healthy digestion. Its grown and enjoyed in Asia, Italy, and the Caribbean where the warm, long growing seasons are most ideal. I publish a new recipe several times per week. Cut it 1" length-wise then 1" cross-wise. There are a few ways to tell if squash is poisonous, but the most common way to do this is to eat it and see if you experience any physical symptoms. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again. Opo Squash, What is it and How do I Eat it? (Slices or dices okay, but use a grill basket.). And you're very creative! Fantastic recipe! Set aside. The seeds are edible when immature, but grow larger and harder as the squash matures. These recipes are some of the best 'grindz' enjoyed on Moloka'i and the Hawaiian islands. There are many different types of squash, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Pure the mixture until it is relatively smooth but there are still a few chunks. There really is no wrong way to cook an opo squash. It's often steamed or roasted . What is Opo Squash + How to Cook It (6 Methods). Heres how to make the best grilled squash, charred and seasoned to perfection! Required fields are marked *. I learned I should have mixed the spices in a separate bowl before tossing as some spices clumped in excess on a few pieces, but I know I was just cutting some corners to speed up the process and mixing spices separately should fix the issue of getting too much of one spice on different pieces.