In the winter when typical fruits and vegetables are either scarce in the stores or very expensive, we can always count on winter squash: easily available, hearty and packed with nutrients! Read below to learn more about these healthy gourds and a recipe for how to use them!
Healthy Recipe: Squash Egg-in-the-Hole
Ingredients:
- 1 large acorn squash
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt, separated
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 large eggs
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425*
- Trim off and discard about ½ inch from each end of squash. Slice remaining midsection of squash crosswise into 4 rounds. Remove seeds with a spoon and discard.
- Brush both sides of squash with oil and place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and crushed red pepper. Bake at 424* for 15 minutes or until squash is fork tender.
- Remove baking sheet from oven. Crack an egg into the center of each acorn slide and sprinkle egg with remaining salt. Return pan to oven, reduce temperature to 350* and bake for 12 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Transfer to plates and enjoy!
- Try adding fresh herbs, cheese, or hot sauce on top for an added twist!
Winter Squash Guide- Shopping, Storage, Preparation, and More:
- Choose winter squash that are heavy for their size with a deep colored skin.
- Store unwashed in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month.
- Wash and cut in half, scoop out and discard seeds. Peel with a vegetable peeler or you can leave the skin on for baking large pieces.
- Eat steamed, sautéed, roasted, or grilled – alone or stuffed!
- Tastes great with apples, broccoli, corn, rice, sausage, or spinach. Stuff with brown rice and sauteed vegetables or mushrooms.
- Season with cinnamon, cloves, curry powder, maple syrup, or sage.
- Winter Squash Varieties: Acorn, Butternut, Buttercup, Pumpkin, Spaghetti
About JFCS Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
The Squirrel Hill Food Pantry has been a cornerstone of Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Pittsburgh since 1999. It offers nutritious, fresh food for neighbors meeting income eligibility requirements in the 15217 zip code as well as kosher food for families who live in the Southwest PA region. For more information, visit www.jfcspgh.org/squirrel-hill-food-pantry or call (412) 421-2708.