Kabocha Gratin Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and thyme and cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the butternut and kabocha squash in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave until the squash is just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and add the squash to the skillet along with the garlic, mace, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, about 3 minutes. Add the broth and cook until it is mostly absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened, 2 minutes.
• Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the microwave and toss with the breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the squash, then top with the gruyere. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until golden, about 30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
• How to break down butternut squash:
• Cut about 1 inch off the bottom end with a chef's knife. Scoop out the seeds.
• Hold the squash against your body and remove the skin with a vegetable peeler; chop.
• How to break down kabocha squash:
• Quarter the squash with a chef's knife, then scoop out the seeds.
• Put each quarter flat-side down and cut off the skin with a paring knife; chop the squash.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 F.
• Place chopped pumpkin in a microwave safe-dish and cover with a wet paper towel. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• Melt butter in a large pan, add onions and cook over medium heat until transparent.
• Add flour and mix for 15 seconds, slowly add milk, crushed stock cubes and black pepper and cook over medium for 4 minutes.
• Add Japanese pumpkin (kabocha) and stir for five minutes. If desired, add chopped broccoli at this time.
• Pour into a glass casserole dish or gratin dish and bake 25-30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and pumpkin is soft.
• Serve warm with a light salad--this is a very rich dish!