Wellness Wednesday: Kabocha Squash

by Arielle J on January 11, 2012

One of my favorite restaurants in NYC is Souen. They put Kabocha Squash in a lot of their soups, salads, steamed plate, etc. I LOVE it everytime that I go, and I knew it was a winter squash, so I made it my mission to pick one up during my last visit to the Farmer’s Market.

LEFT: raw kabocha squash, RIGHT: cooked sweet kabocha squash

The Kabocha Squash I bought looked like a greenish pumpkin with a bright orange flesh on the inside… and tastes sweet. Kabocha is high in vitamins A and C, beta-carotene and fiber.

All I did was washed and scrubbed it a little, then sliced it into wedges, scooped out the seeds, steamed it and sprinkled a little sea salt…simply and easy and it tasted SO good.

Whenever you cook root vegetables, like carrots and squash, they become sweeter. In fact, those times that you find yourself craving sweet things, try having a sweet vegetable and you may find that your sweet cravings subside. A carrot juice or a bowl of steamed kabocha squash are perfect sweet, uplifting and satisfying snacks. (Not to mention, they’re high in fiber and vitamins!)

Ingredients:
Kabocha Squash
Sea Salt

1. Cut kabocha squash in half.
2. Scoop out the seeds.
3. Slice into wedges.
4. Steam until soft.
5. Sprinkle with a little sea salt.
Voila!

Back to Souen… the reason why I love it here so much is that I can literally choose anything on the menu and 1- ill probably like it and 2- I know I will walk out feeling full, yet light and satisfied! Souen is considered an organic and “macrobiotic” restaurant, which means, they prepare food simply and naturally, offering high quality grains, beans, and produce. No refined, chemicals, preservatives, meat or dairy products are used in their kitchen because their mission is for people to eat well so they may heal and live an enjoyable, harmonious life.

I’ve eaten there alone, picked up take-out, gotten a fresh juice, been with my girlfriends, and have even gone there on double dates with my boyfriend and his friends! There a few locations around the city, including East Village, Soho, and Union Square.

Try it- Souen (and the kabocha squash recipe)- you’ll thank me!