Butternut Squash

[annacruachan]

This is the first year I have grown squashes, and I'm proud as Punch of them - but, how on earth do you deal with that rock hard rind? I've tried peeling it, slicing it - nearly sliced myself too - and eventually gave in, cut it in half and roasted it in order to get the edible inside out!! Other than using a melon baller I can't think how to go about it. Of course I can stuff it and roast it, but I really want to be able to use the flesh itself from raw. Any ideas, anyone? Please!

[Jeanied]

Hacksaw? I roast it in chunks with the skin on - once cooked the skin is a lot softer and you can use it or peel it off much easier.

[Dottie]

I roast it too, for the same reason.

[vegnut]

I just use a potato peeler, ok it takes a little longer but it works.

[annacruachan]

Thanks grapegirls. I was thinking of getting one of those Y-shaped peelers, but since no one has mentioned them apparently they don't work either! Roasting it will have to be.

[Two_Sheds]

Stab it a few times, then microwave for a few mins. The skin will then be easier to peel


I have a speed peeler (Y shaped) which is enough for my BNS (they're young and thin skinned though)

[OllieMartin]

If your peeler can't handle the toughness and you're not trying to cook it in one or two big pieces, try slicing through with a sharp knife to produce rings. Lay each ring flat and use the same knife to cut the skin off in sections. Takes longer, but if you're after discs/rings or cubes it's not that much longer.

[annacruachan]

Two Sheds:
I'll try that, thanks. It's got to be a lot quicker and cheaper than anything else.

Ollie:
I have difficulty even getting my sharpest Sabatier knife through it, though I do like the idea of rings. I'll get Mr C to do it for me!