Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (2024)

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If you love winter squash, you are going to love this easy stuffed kabocha squash recipe! This recipe is vegetarian, but there is a simple way to make this stuffed squash vegan as well!!

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (1)

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(*This post was sponsored by Del Monte®. All opinions are my own.)

The holidays are upon us; this is the first year we have vegetarian friends joining us for our Friendsgiving. Every year, the turkey is the center of attention, the focal point of our celebratory table. It is important to me that I have something equally as nice for my friends.

WhenDel Monte® asked me to create a Friendsgivingrecipe, I wanted to create something different from your run-of-the-mill Thanksgiving fare. Something special and memorable like this stuffed kabocha squash.

I hope this roasted kabocha squash recipe will look amazing next to the turkey, giving our vegetarian friends a meal to look forward to.

If you love winter squash, you will want to check out all of my delicious Gluten Free Winter Squash recipes. I take you from appetizers to desserts with these flexible winter squash recipes.

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (2)

Have you seen those big greyish-green squash in your store? Roasted kabocha squash has a sweet flavor that cooks beautifully. It makes a beautiful vessel for any stuffed winter squash recipe.

Many people ask where you can find kabocha squash. Kabocha squash is widely available, and I purchased this one at my local Walmart.

Walmart has some of the best prices in town. If you haven’t visited your local Walmart recently, check out all the delicious gluten-free foods! I wrote about Walmart’s gluten-freeselections to show you how much they have.

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (3)

Don’t you love melty cheese? The cheddar cheese I found at Walmart makes this dish a show-stopper! Look for the cheese substitutes I mentioned to make this a vegan stuffed kabocha squash recipe!!

Have you tried Del Monte® Harvest Selects vegetables? Del Monte® takes quality seriously, and you can taste the difference!Del Monte® is using non-GMO vegetables and has removed all BPA from their cans!

Are you ready to see how easy it is to make this roasted kabocha squash recipe? First, here are some tips on cooking your kabocha squash:

Methods of cooking kabocha squash:

The first step to making this recipe is to cook the winter squash.

  • You can roast the kabocha squash in the oven as I did for this recipe.
  • If you are in a hurry, cut the squash open and scoop out the seeds—place in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water to the bottom of the dish. Microwave for 10 minutes until the squash is soft.
  • Toss the kabocha squash on the grill. Follow the same steps above to remove the seeds, then grill on medium heat. Keep the lid down on the grill so it gets hot inside!
Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (4)

Here is what the kabocha squash will look like with the seeds removed.

Brush olive oil on the interior of the squash. Next, roast the kabocha squash for 20 minutes at 375º F in the oven to soften.

Recipe step-by-step directions:

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (5)

Step 1: Cook theDel Monte® Fiesta Corn in a skillet with onion and red pepper. Walmart has both red pepper and onions for this in their produce department.

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (6)

Step 2: Add in Del Monte® Diced Tomatoes, black beans, green chiles, and seasoning into the corn mixture. Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes.

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (7)

Step 3: Remove the squash from the oven and fill it with the vegetable mixture. Top with cheese or dairy-free cheese (for a vegan stuffed kabocha squash).

Step 4: Return the squash lid on top and bake for another 22 minutes.

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (8)

Tips and Recipe FAQ:

Can you make this kabocha recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the cheese for dairy-free cheese!! One of my new favorite vegan cheeses is VioLife. I just found it at Whole Foods. Daiya and Kite Hill cheeses are also good.

When is a good time to serve stuffed squash?

You can serve this stuffed squash all year long! It makes a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece for your vegetarian and vegan friends.

Can you use other types of squash?

You can use many types of winter squash if you can’t find kabocha. I like to also use pumpkin and acorn squash.

How long will this recipe keep fresh?

This roasted stuffed squash will keep fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container or up to 4 months in the freezer.

If you love eating meatlessly, you will love this vegetarian Gluten Free Mexican Casserole recipe.

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (9)

More winter squash recipes to try:

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (10)

Stuffed Kabocha Squash

Sandi Gaertner

A kabocha squash roasted and stuffed with corn, tomatoes, black beans and chiles.

Love this recipe?Give it a star rating!

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (11)

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (12)

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (13)

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (14)

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 32 minutes mins

Total Time 37 minutes mins

Course Gluten Free Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 303 kcal

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 kabocha squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 14 ounces Del Monte® Fiesta Corn drained
  • 1 onion diced
  • 14 ounces Del Monte® Diced Tomatoes
  • 14 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 teaspoons ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese Daiya if you are vegan

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350º F.

  • Cut the top off a kabocha squash and remove the seeds. Brush with one tablespoon olive oil and bake for 20 minutes. (Bake the lid stem side up too!)

  • In a pan, heat the last tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes.

  • Add the corn, tomatoes, black beans and seasoning. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

  • Remove the squash from the oven.

  • Stuff the corn mixture into the squash. Top with the cheese or cheese substitute. Put the lid onto the squash and bake for another 20 minutes.

  • Serve hot.

Notes

Methods of cooking kabocha squash:

The first step to making this recipe is to cook the winter squash.

  • You can roast the kabocha squash in the oven as I did for this recipe.
  • If you are in a hurry, cut the squash open and scoop out the seeds. Place in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water to the bottom of the dish. Microwave for 10 minutes until the squash is soft.
  • Toss the kabocha squash on the grill. Follow the same steps above to remove the seeds, then grill on medium heat. Make sure to keep the lid down on the grill so it gets hot inside!

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 13gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 1086mgFiber: 11gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2603IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 4mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

Fearless Dining

Your go-to haven for gluten-free living, where I share hundreds of delicious, family-friendly recipes, helpful gluten-free resources, and allergen-friendly options for everyone!

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash Recipe {Vegan Option} (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat kabocha squash every day? ›

If you eat an excessive amount of kabocha squash, or any yellow or orange fruit or vegetable containing beta carotene, you can develop carotenemia. This is a condition that can cause your skin to appear yellowish or orange. It's harmless, and the cure is simply to cut back on the carotene-containing foods.

Can diabetics eat kabocha squash? ›

Kabocha squash is a low glycemic food.

Eating low glycemic foods can be very beneficial to your health. “A low-glycemic diet can help you control your weight by minimizing spikes in your blood sugar and insulin levels. This is particularly important if you have type 2 diabetes or at risk of developing it.

What is the inside of kabocha squash? ›

Kabocha squash has dark green skin and an orange interior with a fluffy, chestnut-like texture. Its sweet flavor might remind you of sweet potatoes or the sort of sugar pumpkins you bake into pumpkin pie.

What is kabocha squash made of? ›

Kabocha (/kəˈboʊtʃə/; from Japanese カボチャ, 南瓜) is a type of winter squash, a Japanese variety of the species Cucurbita maxima. It is also called kabocha squash or Japanese pumpkin in North America. In Japan, "kabocha" may refer to either this squash, to the Western pumpkin, or indeed to other squashes.

Is kabocha squash anti inflammatory? ›

Research shows that kabocha squash flavonoids like beta-carotene and lutein promote skin health. It prevents oxidation and inflammation of skin cells. It may also protect skin from damage, aging, and cancer growth.

Is kabocha good for weight loss? ›

Many people use kabocha squash for weight loss, and for good reason. With less than 40 calories and 1.7 grams of fiber per cup, adding kabocha squash to your diet can be a great way to support feelings of satiety and boost weight loss.

Does squash spike blood sugar? ›

Squash is a starchy vegetable that contains carbohydrates, which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels and trigger the release of insulin. However, the extent to which squash affects insulin levels can vary depending on the type of squash and how it is prepared.

Is kabocha healthier than pumpkin? ›

Kabocha squash had higher amounts of vitamins and C than pumpkin, while both showed similar mineral contents except for iron.

Is kabocha squash good for kidneys? ›

Squash is fine for earlier stages of CKD and kidney transplant when potassium is well-managed without dietary restriction.

How to tell if kabocha squash is bad? ›

A squash with soft spots and is soft to the touch, is a sign that the squash has gone bad. And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled. Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten.

Why is my kabocha squash bitter? ›

The higher the levels of cucubitacin, the more bitter the squash will taste. The most likely cause for a bitter taste in squash is due to an environmental stress of some sort, most likely a wide temperature flux or irregular irrigation. Either of these will create an excess of cucurbitacins to concentrate in the fruit.

How do you know when kabocha squash is ready to eat? ›

The ripe kabocha squash has a very dark color to it. and isn't very shiny. Whereas the younger one that isn't quite ready. has almost no color contrast and is very shiny. Follow these tips and you'll get a delicious, sweet smelling winter squash.

What is the Chinese name for kabocha squash? ›

Similar to butternut, acorn, or red kuri, but with drier and sweeter flesh, kabocha's starchiness actually reminds me more of a root vegetable like a yam or sweet potato. Its earthy, nutty flavor is similar to a roasted chestnut— in Chinese kabocha is actually called chestnut squash (banli nangua 板栗南瓜).

What is the best tasting kabocha squash? ›

Kabocha Squash

Two of the more common, and nicest tasting are 'Red Kuri' (92-100 days) with its orange-red skinned fruits and smooth flesh that is less sweet but nicely flavored, and the gray-skinned 'Winter Sweet' (95 days), which has dry, sweet flesh.

Do you eat the skin of kabocha squash? ›

The kabocha skin is edible. Many Japanese kabocha recipes such as kabocha tempura and simmered kabocha require it to keep the skin on. However, if you want to show that beautiful orange color in your recipe, you have to remove the rind as the dark green kabocha skin will not keep the beautiful orange flesh color.

Can you eat squash everyday? ›

While the high beta-carotene content in squash can provide many benefits, studies also suggest that consuming too much of this compound can increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, some types of prepared squash include high amounts of added sugar.

Which squash has the most health benefits? ›

In addition to vitamins A and C, butternut squash is also rich in carotenoid plant pigments and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Like acorn squash, butternut squash can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as baked goods, grain dishes, and soups.

References

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