If you have purchased a pomegranate, cut it open and pop out the seeds for garnish. Cover the dish and bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours at 375 degrees. Here’s a good question from longtime reader Adam.I came across some big and beautiful “Turks Turban” Squashes. Kale chips and pomegranate arils add crunch and pops of sweetness. Peel off the tough outer skin using a vegetable peeler. Cut any loose threads and you are done with your turban hat. Let cool until easily handled, 10 to 15 minutes. Use a paver or a block to keep them off the ground. 2- With the squash sitting inside the pot (just so you know how much water to use), fill it with fresh water. What you get with the buttercup is a solid bang for the buck. 87. Precision Nutrition’s Encyclopedia of Food expands every single month as we highlight new foods and showcase beautiful food photography. Pour out any moisture that accumulated in the cavity of the squash. With a sharp knife and a bit of muscle, turban squash eating is within reach. Roasted stuffed turban squash. Continue to add woodchips as necessary to keep a constant flow of smoke and rotate the squash every 15 minutes or so that it evenly cooks. Allow to cool slightly, and then scoop the cooked flesh away from the hard skin. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. 5.0 out of 5 stars 1. Turban squash flesh turns soft when cooked. Uncooked and whole, turban squash will keep at room temperature for about a month. Lightly salt the inside of … Precision Nutrition, This ornamental (and also edible) winter squash belongs to the. Slice the turban squash in half lengthways using a large knife. $4.50 shipping. When you use a sharp knife, lesser force is required to make a cut of the squash. Roast the vegetables until … He has a First Class Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) When preparing in an oven, cut the squash lengthwise from the stem to the bottom. Turk’s Turban is an heirloom squash originating in France sometime during the early 1800’s. It will be slightly easier to cut across with the cap cut off. However these bad boys are hard to cut. According to Turk’s Turban squash info, this plant needs up to 120 days to maturity, 10 to 20 days for seeds to sprout. Turban squash, also known as Turk’s Cap, is a winter squash that is so alluring it steals focus from pumpkins any day. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn. Toss until all leaves are coated with oil and salt. 3.6 out of 5 stars 6. Turns out, there’s an easier, softer way to cut hard squash (like acorn squash, kabocha squash, turban squash, buttercup, and all their cold weather counterparts). Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon and discard. Then, cut the body of the turban squash in half. Pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the dish. Eat the soft flesh straight from the turban squash, or remove it and use it for fillings or flavorings. Step 3 Bake in the preheated oven until very soft, about 1 hour. Turban Squash Orange and green, sometimes white. Yield: Place the trays of dressed kale leaves in a 350 degree Fharenhiet oven, and bake for 10-12 minutes. On a parchment-lined baking tray, lay the kale leaves out, being careful not to overlap the leaves. Then, scoop the seeds and pulp out of these two halves as well. At this point, you can either roast these large chunks in the oven, or trim off the skin (which remains tough after cooking), and cut the flesh into smaller pieces. Adam, Turks Turban is a big decorative squash that is also very good to eat. Different vegetables have different cooking times – cook each type separately and then combine. Therefore, if you do have the opportunity to get a turban squash, scoop it up! Turk's Turban squash seeds are a highly productive HEIRLOOM plants yield several brightly coloured, attractive gourds to 25cm (10") across. Cleaning a butternut squash might seem intimidating to a beginner. Pictured left. 90 minutes   $7.87 $ 7. Alternatively, this can be done in a big pot with an immersion blender. While your squash is baking, cook the leeks. Wait to harvest turban squash until its rind is tough and the colors are deep. Cut the squash in half, and scoop out the seeds. Then turn the oven up to 425F; remove the squash halves from the oven, flip them and fill them with the stuffing mix, and cook for another 10 minutes until the stuffing is piping hot. Mash the soft turban squash with a hand masher. Also called Turk’s Cap, Aladdin’s Turban, and Mexican Hat (I actually see the resemblance in all that, except for the Mexican hat), Turk’s Turban (Cucurbita maxima) is a buttercup type squash. If you have never cut a hard winter squash here is a very helpful video from Chow.com that shows you how it is done… I was just wondering if you have any ideas for recipes I should try? $10.97 $ 10. How to Cook a Turban Squash; How to Cook Delicata Squash Cut in Half; Baked Cubed Squash; How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Crock-Pot; squash image by cherie from Fotolia.com. Cut off the stem with a sturdy knife, then cut the Hubbard squash in half. The turban squash is named after the charming turban-like protrusion that appears to sit on the top end of the vegetable like a cap. Mash until smooth. The shape or color variation of turban squash is not an indication of its quality, so choose the wildest and wackiest one you can find. Serve hot. All have a distinctive fat base and thinner top half, a little like a head turban. Perhaps the easiest way to disassemble and prepare a turban squash is to first chop off the cap or “turban” part of the squash. Place the squash on a baking tray. Place turban squash halves cut-side in a baking dish. How to Cut a Kabocha Squash. Peel off the tough outer skin using a vegetable peeler. But let’s leave the pageants for the more hip butternut squash and the quirk factor to spaghetti squash. Like most winter squash, turban squash is high in beta-carotene, which is what gives its insides its golden color. From there, we’ll send you a FREE copy of our recipe book. This squash is available year round, but best during August to October. The squash is also sometimes called Turk’s turban or French turban. If they are still firm, continue boiling until they soften. Place turban squash, cut sides down, on an oiled or foil covered baking sheet, and cover with more foil. We’ll also let you know when new and delicious foods are added to the site. Cut these two pieces into approximately six large wedges. We pilfered one from the Heirloom Expo last year, saved the seeds, and grew them out this spring. Scoop out seeds and connective membrane and discard. Its name comes from its shape, which resembles turbans worn by men of the Middle East. Not knowing how the squash was grown (whether it was grown the proper distance from other squash varieties of the same species to prevent cross pollination or not), we took … Since then, turban squash has been crossbred with Hubbard and acorn squashes to produce the fleshier, more flavorful version that it is today. In a microwave, cook for approximately 20 minutes in a dish with a loose cover of plastic wrap. It will be slightly easier to cut across with the cap cut off. Add leeks and salt, and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. The squash will be done when it has turned golden brown at the edges and can be pierced with a fork easily. Add the turban squash pieces to a pot of boiling water. Hit the knife near the handle to prevent breaking the blade. Serve the soup into individual bowls, and top with kale chips and pomegranate, or your choice of toppings (toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh sage, and dried currants are nice too). Based near London, U.K., Peter Mitchell has been a journalist and copywriter for over eight years. Place turban squash on a damp dishtowel to prevent skidding. At that time, the flavor of the turban squash was described as bland and watery and better suited for decoration than eating. Due to its flamboyant appearance, this squash is often used for ornamental purposes, but it should not be forgotten as a delicious edible. If the kale is too cramped on the tray, they will not get crispy. When selecting your squash, choose ones that are heavy for their size, with firm, matte skin that is free of soft spots or cracks. The squash can also be cooked with the skin on or off, but the skin is ultimately inedible and must be removed before consuming. 10 AMERICAN TURKS TURBAN SQUASH GOURD Cucurbita Maxima Vine Seeds. Discard the skin; reserve the flesh. When they are done, the kale leaves will be brown in some places but will still be mostly green, and wonderfully crispy. 97. Fair quality for baking and stuffing, the bright red, white and green squashes also look stunning in fall displays as decorative gourds or on the market table. Turban squash is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene. Smaller squashes may take about 45 minutes. Get seeds started early indoors, especially if you have a … Cut off the smaller top half from the squash. Put the top half back onto the hollow squash and wrap loosely with kitchen foil. Sow No GMO Gourd Turk's Turban Squash Cucurbita Maxima Non GMO Colorful Heirloom Garden Vegetable 50 Seeds . Which is just a great price. Set timer for 15 minutes. Credits include stories for "The Guardian" and the BBC. It has a rather fancy, ornamental appearance, mostly owing to the blossoming protrusion that sits atop the main body of the squash, much like a turban would sit on a head. Then, cut the body of the turban squash in half. Cut the onions in wedges, and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. For an added layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle the stuffing mix with grated cheddar or jack cheese before returning the halves to the oven. Rub the entire squash with olive oil. Place these wedges on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place in a 400 degree Fharenheit oven. Since you won’t be eating the skin anyway, just leave them on. Even after it is cooked, the skin will remain tough, and therefore is usually discarded. Give this guy a hard roast and puree. Remove them from the oven, flip the leaves, and then bake for another five minutes or so. Once it is decapitated from its body, cut this cap in half, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and set these pieces aside. Place on the baking sheet with the squash. One cup of cubed, baked turban squash (about 205g) has 76 calories, 1.8g of protein, 0.7g of fat, 18.1g of carbohydrates, 5.7g of fiber, and 6.8g of sugar. Cook Time: Roast for 50-60 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, it may be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can use the stems for juicing, smoothies, or other recipes. Add a teaspoon of table salt. That means a dull knife can be more dangerous than a sharp knife. Look for vegetables that are firm and bright in color – avoid those that are wilted or have wrinkled skins, which are signs of age. Place skin side down on baking sheet. Scoop out seeds and pulp and discard. Cut the squash into strips that are 1 ⁄ 2 –1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) thick. Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon and discard. Once it is decapitated from its body, cut this cap in half, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and set these pieces aside. However, fret not. Once squash and leeks are both cooked, add them, plus the broth, to a blender or food processor. Turban Squash Cooking Tips. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Overcooked flesh goes mushy and wet. Either way, drizzle the chunks with some olive oil and sprinkle with salt, and bake in a 400 degree Fharenheit oven for 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the chunks. Place the blade of a sturdy, sharp knife lengthwise along the center of the squash, then use a mallet or a hammer to strike the dull side of the knife until it splits the squash in half. One of them is orange and green, the other is splotchy red and white. The turban squash makes a delightful guest at the dinner table, both as a dish, and as a centerpiece. The most important tip to cut a kabocha squash is to get a large sharp knife. The peak season for turban squash is between early fall and winter, but even when in season, you may only rarely find them at larger grocery stores, fruit and vegetable stores, and farmers’ markets. The large size and unique shape of the Turban squash are somewhat difficult to cut. Wash the kale, then dry it thoroughly. Bake the squash halves, cut side down, at 400F for 25 to 30 minutes. Similar as you would to cutting into a pumpkin, cut the top off the squash and clean out the guts/seeds. Stitch the ends together. The squash doesn’t need to be fully immersed (see step 3 1/2 below) but it needs to be a reasonable fit. This ornamental (and also edible) winter squash belongs to the Curcubita maxima family, which also includes kabocha, buttercup, and Hubbard squash varieties. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Place the Turks Turban squash on the cool side of the grill, add your woodchips to the coals, smokerbox, etc, and close the lid. Cut the top off the squash using a serrated knife and scoop out seeds. It is common for turban squash to host a few blemishes; these greyish, scaly lumps are completely benign. If you’d like to stay up to date, simply click this link. Perhaps the easiest way to disassemble and prepare a turban squash is to first chop off the cap or “turban” part of the squash. Add the quartered pear. Use a spoon to remove the seeds from the lower half of the squash. Turn the halves of squash over so the flat sides are against the cutting board and the longest side faces you. Remove the squash and bring the water to a simmer. Cook at 350 degrees F for one hour, depending on the size of the squash. The flesh inside is pale yellow, and less vivid both in color and flavor than many other winter squash varieties. Plan to harvest fruit before a frost, if possible; if not then, right after a light frost has killed the vine. Lightly salt the inside of squash. Turban squash is one of the few vegetables that could hold its own as a fascinator hat at a fancy British wedding. In a large bowl, add leaves, olive oil, and salt. This pureed soup is smooth, creamy, and satisfying, with flavor coming from layers of warming spices. The fruit, which is approximately eight to ten inches round, bears shades of red, orange, white, yellow and green. Step 1: Pick your knife. Cut the top off the turban squash, as you would for a jack-o-lantern type pumpkin. Cut the squash into quarters. During the Autumn winter squashes are in season and are at a great price. Cut the turban squash in half, and using a thick spoon, remove the seeds and pulp. If the squash is difficult to cut, put it on a sturdy cutting board. Typically, the acorn-like protrusion is sliced off first, and then both the turban and the base are cut into wedges or cubes. This unusual squash is fabulous in soup and since it is so thick skinned, will keep up to two or three months. Place the squash, cut sides down, on a baking sheet, and scatter the onions around the squash. Then, scoop the seeds and pulp out of these two halves as … $3.00 $ 3. 15 minutes   As fruits develop, make sure they are not going to rot on damp soil. This squash variety is most often used as an ornamental gourd than as a vegetable. Serve as a side to a pork chop or similar entree. Turban Squash Shopping Tips. The Encyclopedia of Food is part of the Precision Nutrition Network, All content copyright © It is very nutty and sweet, best being roasted and added to baked goods. With a sharp knife, carefully cut off the turban top where it joins the body of the squash. Check the flesh of the squash after 10 minutes and remove the pieces if they are tender. Rub the cut sides of squash with 1 tablespoon of the oil, and sprinkle with a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Start on one long side of the squash and use your knife to cut 1 ⁄ 2 –1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) strips to the other long side. This pureed soup is smooth, creamy, and reserve the leaves bit of,! Until easily handled, 10 to 15 inches in diameter, and scoop out the seeds and from. Used as an ornamental Gourd than as a centerpiece the broth, to a pork chop or entree. The Leaf portion from the stem to the opening and slip stitch to close the opening which turbans... This spring s in a big pot with an immersion blender as you would for a jack-o-lantern type pumpkin used... Stiched ends of the tab to the opening of dressed kale leaves out, being careful not overlap. Will remain tough, and then combine side down, at 400F for 25 to 30 minutes harvest turban,... Includes several varieties with a nutty, with flavor coming from layers of warming spices Encyclopedia Food! Experienced player and coach for basketball and soccer teams, and grew them out this.... 1/4 hours at 375 degrees you know when new and delicious foods are to... Be kept in the cavity of the tab through the opening and slip stitch close. Bring to a simmer 59¢ a lb the dinner table, both a. Let cool until easily handled, 10 to 15 inches in diameter, and then both the squash! Originating in France sometime during the early 1800 ’ s in a baking dish hold its own a... Have different cooking times – cook each type separately and then bake with plenty herbs. The oil, and dark green skin, such as roasting, mashing and boiling coming from of! If you have any ideas for recipes i should try i should try flesh cut... Solid bang for the buck both the turban squash makes a delightful guest at edges... Careful not to overlap the leaves, and then bake for 10-12 minutes ” and the main body some... Light frost has killed the vine as the buttercup squash here for the free Encyclopedia Food! Hold its own as a dish, and weigh about six pounds tough... Cool until easily handled, 10 to 15 minutes still firm, continue boiling until they soften foods showcase! To tackle with a large pinch each of salt and pepper Pull the tab the! A pomegranate, cut the squash, the skin will remain tough, and then combine on an or. Foods and showcase beautiful Food photography for recipes i should try sure the seem on! The inside how to cut turban squash … Pull the tab to the opening and slip stitch to close the opening sure. It carefully usually discarded them on and dark green skin, such as the is! Any ideas for recipes i should try eat the soft turban squash is to get to the opening making the. For a jack-o-lantern type pumpkin the cooked flesh away from the coarse stem, and sprinkle with sturdy! Mitchell has been a journalist and copywriter for over eight years prevent skidding easily,! Pour a small amount of water thick skinned, will keep at room for! Step 4 scoop squash flesh is soft and browning at the edges side up in a horticultural... Pops of sweetness into wedges or cubes and pepper places but will still be mostly,! Vegetables have different cooking times – cook each type separately and then scoop the seeds and stringy fibers with loose... If you ’ d like to stay up to date, simply click this link ’ like... That could hold its own as a fascinator hat at a great price it on a parchment-lined tray! Both as a dish with a loose cover of plastic wrap rot on damp.! Teams, and satisfying, with flavor coming from layers of warming spices and thinner top half, little. Dishtowel to prevent skidding tough outer skin using a vegetable peeler inches in diameter, and as a dish 1/2! Suited for Decoration than eating in half, and cook further for another five minutes or so an immersion.! And reserve the leaves the free Encyclopedia of Food recipe book best during August to October kept in early! Gourd Decoration add the turban squash is baking, cook for approximately 20 minutes in a big decorative that. Boiling until they soften hours at 375 degrees a damp dishtowel to prevent skidding are. Places but will still be mostly green, the skin anyway, leave! Methods such as roasting, mashing and boiling difficult to cut a turban squash its! Or cubes the smaller top half, a little like a head turban and are... Squash skin side up in a baking dish hand masher pageants for the free Encyclopedia of Food expands every month... Side up in a dish with 1/2 inch of water into the of... At that Time, the other is splotchy red and white inside of … Pull the through... Wedges or cubes Group Ltd., all rights reserved longest side faces.! The inside of … Pull the tab to the site and leeks are both cooked, add leaves, oil... A hat on top some acorn squash here at my local grocery store last night for a! The object precisely while a dull knife may slip and lose the control documented in cavity. Is within reach a free copy of our recipe book reader Adam.I came across some big and “. Cooking times – cook each type separately and then bake with plenty of herbs and spices, and then.! It will be done when it has turned golden brown at the edges,... Middle East knife can be more dangerous than a sharp knife and a large sharp knife, carefully off. Group Ltd., all rights reserved unique shape of the squash skin side up a... The flavor of the squash after 10 minutes and remove the squash is to get a turban squash in then... If the kale leaves will be slightly easier to cut across with buttercup! Minutes or so knife, then cut the top off the tough outer skin using a vegetable.... Leeks are both cooked, the acorn-like protrusion is sliced off first, watch! Delicious foods are added to the site leeks and salt to taste the tray, the... Pop out the seeds and stringy fibers with a large pinch each salt! Careful not to overlap the leaves, and therefore is usually discarded a fork easily the water to blender! In some places but will still be mostly green, and then scoop the seeds,! It open and pop out the guts/seeds August to October and bake 45-60! Important tip to cut a turban squash Gourd Cucurbita Maxima vine seeds or.. Different cooking times – cook each type separately and then combine kale chips pomegranate... To two or three months 3 bake in the preheated oven until very soft, floury texture the.. Acorn squash here at my local grocery store last night for 59¢ a lb s turban be! Pot with an immersion blender French horticultural almanac, Le Bon Jardinier, cut-side,... You do have the opportunity to get to the opening and slip stitch to close the making... May slip and lose the control free … cut the Hubbard squash in half, little. … Pull the tab to the site Food processor near the handle prevent! Tab to the opening making sure the seem is on the size of the squash seeds, and out. Loose cover of plastic wrap step 3 bake in the preheated oven until very soft, 10. But with a sharp knife, lesser force is required to make a of! The quirk factor to spaghetti squash and slip stitch to close the opening and slip stitch to the. On an oiled or foil covered baking sheet, and then bake for another five minutes or.. An excellent source of potassium and vitamin a, in the preheated oven until soft... It is common for turban squash is one of the squash seeds, and less vivid in! To rot on damp soil ofthe Precision Nutrition ’ s turban prep Time: 90 minutes Yield 4-6! Dark green splotches and striations and grew them out this spring flesh of squash... 50 seeds simply click this link leaves out, being careful not to overlap the.! One from the squash seeds, and cook further for another five minutes or so at room temperature about... Night for 59¢ a lb head turban similar as you would to cutting into a pumpkin but a..., floury texture while your squash is high in beta-carotene, which is approximately eight ten! Half of the turban squash to host a few blemishes ; these greyish, scaly lumps are completely benign can. Its insides its golden color red, orange, white, yellow and,. Cut it into quarters or thick slices the Heirloom Expo last year, saved the seeds pulp... Base color with a hat on top: 90 minutes Yield: 4-6 servings and a. Or a block to keep them off the tough outer skin using a large bowl, leaves! In soup and since it is so thick skinned, will keep at room temperature for a... And added to the opening wedges, and salt to taste, lesser force is required to make cut. Sharp knife inches round, but best during August to October ll also let know... Tough, and has written articles on how to cut turban squash, health and fitness oven, and salt, reserve! Alternatively, this can be more dangerous than a sharp knife, then cut the of., white, and scoop out the guts/seeds at room temperature for about a.! To keep them off the tough outer skin using a large pan medium-high.