Instant Pot Delicata Squash has a nice tender texture and mild sweet flavor when cooked in the Instant Pot and can be used in so many ways.
» You might also like this Instant Pot Butternut Squash.
I love delicata squash. It really lives up to its name of being one of the more delicate squashes. The flesh has a soft, silky texture and a mild, sweet flavor that isn’t as strong as others like pumpkin or kabocha squash.
When cooked in the Instant Pot, it takes just 6 minutes with a manual pressure release, so it’s done in a total of 10 minutes from start to finish. In the oven it would take at least 30 minutes.
I like to use the squash to make a puree that goes really well with delicate fish, like cod or scallops. You can also make a mash, or just serve the delicata squash in cubes. It’s very versatile as a side dish.
Why Use An Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. If you don’t have one, check out our guide on which one to buy. Also see our guide to How to Use an Instant Pot and the many accessories you can buy for it.
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- Learn some great Instant Pot Tips & Tricks.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- Delicata squash – When picking one out go for a squash with a bright yellow or striped appearance without cuts or bruises. Avoid brown patches or punctures. The size won’t matter greatly. They’re all about the same size.
- Water – You need water in the Instant Pot to help the pot come up to pressure. You’ll use a cup of water in a 6-quart or 1 1/2 cups of water in an 8-quart.
- Salt – One thing that squash really needs for flavor is salt. You really can’t go without it or you’ll end up with a pretty bland dish.
- Butter – For serving.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot – I use a 6-quart Instant Pot Plus to make all of my recipes. If you’re using an 8-quart pot, you will need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly, as it requires more than the 6 quart to build steam.
- Trivet – You’ll want to use the trivet to keep the squash out of the water.
What is Delicata Squash?
Delicata squash is a variety of winter squash known for its cylindrical shape, cream-colored skin, and green or orange striations.
What sets it apart from other winter squashes is its thin, edible skin, which means you don’t have to peel it before cooking. The flesh is orange, with a texture that’s a bit creamier than that of butternut squash. It has a mildly sweet flavor, often compared to that of sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
Delicata is versatile and can be roasted, sautéed, or even microwaved. It’s commonly sliced into rings or half-moons before being cooked. The squash is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
Does Size Matter?
You’ll find that most delicata squash are between 6 and 9 inches long. You can cook any size delicata squash in the Instant Pot, as long as it fits! Since it’s all about the same thickness, it cooks at the same time and pressure, no matter how large or small it it.
You can also cook multiple delicata squashes in the Instant Pot at the same time without increasing the cook time. As long as they fit without exceeding the max fill line.
How to Make Delicata Squash in the Instant Pot
After cutting and removing the seeds from the squash, place the 2 halves face up on the trivet in the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water.
Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing (if necessary for your model).
Set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. When done, manually release the pressure.
Remove the lid, transfer the squash to a plate and serve with salt, and butter, if desired.
How to Use Delicata Squash
- Soups and Stews: Delicata squash can create a velvety base for soups. Combine with ingredients like coconut milk, ginger, and curry spices for a flavorful dish.
- Stir-Fries: Cube and sauté delicata squash with other vegetables, tofu, or meat, and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a quick stir-fry.
- Mashed: Mash it with butter, milk, salt, and pepper for a creamy side dish.
- Salads: Delicata squash can be added to salads, paired with ingredients like spinach, nuts, cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Puree: Blend it until silky smooth to use as a puree under delicate fish.
Tips for Cooking Instant Pot Delicata Squash
- There is no need to remove the skin from the delicata squash. It’s very thin and definitely edible.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of the squash.
- If you want to use this as a puree or mash, you can cook it for 7 minutes instead of 6 for a softer consistency.
- Delicata squash pairs well with various flavors, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and miso. Experiment with different combinations to find what you like best.
Add More Flavor
If you want to add some extra flavor to your squash, you can add spices besides salt and pepper to the flesh of the squash before cooking. Some I like to use are:
- Seasoned salt
- Cumin and chili powder
- Onion powder
- Cinnamon/sugar for a sweet treat
- Butter and sage
How to Store Delicata Squash
Store uncut delicata squash in a cool, dry place for several weeks. Once cut or cooked, it should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
You might have some leftovers. That’s great though, because you can use it in so many different ways. Allow the squash to cool completely before storing it in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat the skin of a delicata squash?
Yes, you can eat the skin of the squash. It becomes quite soft as it cooks. However, most people prefer not to eat it. You can easily peel the skin away from the squash after it’s cooked, or you can scoop out the insides as you eat it.
What are the health benefits of delicata squash?
First off, it’s low in calories but high in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and helping to keep you full. The squash is also rich in vitamins, particularly A and C. Vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, while Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and boosts your immune system.
Is delicata squash hard to cut?
No, delicata squash is rather soft and can be cut through easily with a sharp knife. It’s not like other squashes, like kabocha, which are very tough and require softening before cutting into.
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Instant Pot Delicata Squash
Note: Made in a 6-qt Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 delicata squash or more if you want, cut in half lengthwise seeds removed
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
- Butter for serving
Instructions
- After cutting and removing the seeds from the squash, place the 2 halves face up on the trivet in the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water.
- Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing (if necessary for your model).
- Set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. When done, manually release the pressure.
- Remove the lid, transfer the squash to a plate and serve with butter, if desired.
Nutrition
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Laura is a passionate home cook and the owner of A Pressure Cooker Kitchen. She is dedicated to helping people create delicious Instant Pot meals with ease. Laura is an expert at developing recipes that can be prepared quickly and easily using a pressure cooker.