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

Is there a substitute for kabocha squash? ›

Substitutes For Kabocha

Depending on the recipe, you can use sweet potato, acorn squash, or butternut squash to substitute for kabocha. Likewise, you can switch it for recipes that call for other varieties of squashes. Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking?

What are the different types of Japanese squash? ›

Varieties of kabocha include Ajihei, Ajihei No. 107, Ajihei No. 331, Ajihei No. 335, Cutie, Ebisu, Emiguri, Marron d'Or and Miyako.

What does kabocha squash taste like? ›

Kabocha squash has a rich, sweet, nutty, earthy flavor, with hints of chestnuts, and a smooth, dry, starchy texture.

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 A kabocha squash A vegetable or a fruit? ›

Aside from the taste, texture, and nutritional value of kabocha squash, the versatility of the fruit is another reason to add it to your diet.

Can you eat too much kabocha squash? ›

Adverse Effects. 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.

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.

Is kabocha squash hard to digest? ›

Promotes healthy digestion: The fiber content in kabocha squash helps promote healthy digestion and prevents constipation. It can also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Low in calories: Kabocha squash is a low-calorie food, with only 30-40 calories per 100 grams.

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.

Is calabaza the same as kabocha? ›

Kabocha is a popular vegetable in Japan being used in soups, sushi, and tempura dishes. Kabocha varieties have been introduced into Latino markets where it is used as a substitute for calabaza .

Which squash has the most flavor? ›

Honeynut Squash: The sweetness and flavor made this a clear winner. Delicata Squash: This is actually tied with acorn squash and both are similar in texture and flavor which is why they are ranked at the top.

Is kabocha squash high in sugar? ›

Its low glycemic index and high fiber nature make it excellent for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Kabocha squash has also been shown to help reduce the risk of some cancers, as well as help boost normal vision.

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.

Why is my kabocha squash bitter? ›

Cucurbits contain a group of chemicals called cucubitacins. It is these cucurbitacins that are responsible for squash that is bitter tasting. The higher the levels of cucubitacin, the more bitter the squash will taste.

Is kabocha easy to digest? ›

Improves Digestion

Because it's rich in fiber, kabocha squash nutrition can be great for gut health.

When and how to harvest kabocha squash? ›

Kabocha, hubbard and buttercup (C. maxima) varieties can be harvested before complete seed maturation, at about 40 to 45 days after fruit set, when the fruit is still bright. That's when the rind is hardest, making the fruit less likely to be damaged in storage. Stems will typically become dry and corky by harvest.

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