Fall is here, and you know what that means—crisp air, cozy sweaters, and all the pumpkin-flavored everything! But what if I told you there's a new squash in town that’s about to up your fall game in the kitchen and as part of your home decor? Enter the Koginut squash!
If you haven’t heard of it yet, don’t worry—you’re about to fall in love (pun intended). The Koginut is a mix of Kabocha and Butternut, which means it’s basically the best of both worlds. It's sweet, buttery, and perfect for all your roasting, soup-making, or just looking-pretty-on-the-counter needs. Seriously, this squash does it all. So, grab a mug of something warm and let’s dive into why Koginut is about to become your new favorite fall obsession.
What is Koginut Squash?
So, what’s the deal with this Koginut squash? Well, it’s a hybrid between the rich, nutty Kabocha squash and the sweet, creamy Butternut squash. Imagine the buttery smoothness of Butternut combined with the subtle sweetness of Kabocha—that’s the Koginut!
It has a firm, dense texture that’s perfect for roasting, and its flavor really shines when paired with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage. Not only is it delicious, but it’s packed with nutrients too—loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, so you’re getting both flavor and health benefits in one cute little squash.
Why Koginut Squash is Awesome
It’s Versatile in the Kitchen Whether you’re roasting it for a cozy dinner, pureeing it into a velvety soup, or even using it in a pie, Koginut squash brings a delicious, buttery sweetness that takes any dish to the next level. It pairs beautifully with grains, seasonal veggies, and your favorite fall spices.
It’s Packed with Nutrients This squash isn’t just pretty—it’s packed with health benefits too. With tons of vitamin A (hello, glowing skin!) and a healthy dose of fiber, it’s great for keeping you full and feeling good through the chilly fall months.
It’s Gorgeous as Fall & Halloween Decor Koginut squash isn’t just for eating—it’s also a total star when it comes to fall decorating. Its muted, soft orange color and round shape make it a stunning addition to any fall tablescape, entryway display, or mantel. And when Halloween rolls around, it doubles as the perfect chic alternative to a traditional pumpkin. (We’ll get into that later!)
Recipe: Roasted Koginut Squash with Sage Brown Butter
Now that we’ve established how awesome Koginut squash is, let’s get cooking! This Roasted Koginut Squash with Sage Brown Butter is a super simple, yet impressive dish that will make your kitchen smell like fall heaven.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the Koginut squash into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Lay the squash wedges in a cast iron skillet for even roasting and to get that perfectly caramelized finish. Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and golden brown.
While the squash is roasting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and let the butter cook until it turns golden and smells nutty (about 3-4 minutes).
Remove the roasted squash from the oven and drizzle with the sage brown butter. For an extra touch, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and enjoy!
A cast iron skillet is perfect for roasting squash because it holds heat well and creates a beautiful caramelization on the outside of the squash. This makes the dish in my opinion. Here is the skillet I swear by:
Bonus Tip: Koginut Squash as Fall & Halloween Decor
We all love pumpkins for fall decor, but if you’re ready to shake things up a bit, the Koginut squash is a beautiful alternative that can totally elevate your seasonal decorating game. Its soft, muted orange color pairs beautifully with the earthy tones of autumn, making it a perfect addition to any room in your home. But let’s take it up a notch—this squash can also double as the star of your Halloween decor too!
Here are a few creative ideas to use Koginut squash as part of your fall and Halloween decorating:
1. Cozy Fall Centerpiece
Place a few Koginut squashes in a rustic wooden bowl or wicker basket, and layer in some dried leaves, mini pumpkins, and acorns. For added texture, throw in a few cinnamon sticks and pinecones. This simple setup works great as a centerpiece for your dining table, a coffee table display, or even as an entryway accent to greet guests with a warm autumn vibe.
2. Mantel Magic
If you’ve got a fireplace mantel begging for some fall love, Koginut squash is your go-to. Mix and match different sizes of Koginut, and intersperse them with candles, faux leaves, and even some twinkling string lights. The round, smooth shape of the squash gives a more refined look than the traditional jack-o’-lantern pumpkins, while still bringing all the cozy fall feels. You can even let some of the squashes rest on a bed of greenery or eucalyptus for a modern, yet rustic look.
3. Halloween Glow-Up
Why not take a break from carving traditional pumpkins this year and opt for a more sophisticated Halloween look? Koginut squash has a smoother, less ribbed surface than pumpkins, making them easier to carve or paint! Here’s how you can spook-ify them for Halloween:
Painted Koginut Squash: If carving isn’t your thing, break out the paint! You can create spooky faces, fun patterns, or paint the squash entirely black, white, or gold for a chic Halloween vibe. Bonus: No messy pumpkin guts to clean up!
Carved Lanterns: If you do love a good carving session, try cutting simple geometric shapes or patterns into the Koginut squash. Place a small LED candle inside, and watch it glow! The shape of the Koginut squash gives it a more subtle, sophisticated Halloween look compared to a traditional jack-o’-lantern. It’s a great way to keep things festive, but with a stylish twist.
4. Rustic Porch Decor
Imagine your front porch decked out for fall with a mix of Koginut squash, mums, and hay bales. The soft orange hue of the squash adds a touch of warmth without being overpowering. Stack a few alongside larger pumpkins or decorative lanterns, and you’ll have a perfect, welcoming setup for fall and Halloween. Throw in a couple of faux cobwebs or spooky skeletons for a subtle Halloween touch, and you’re set through the entire season!
5. Table Setting Elegance
Hosting a fall dinner party? Skip the store-bought centerpieces and let nature do the talking. Small Koginut squashes can be placed on each guest’s plate or along the center of the table, paired with autumn leaves and candles for a charming, elegant tablescape. For Halloween gatherings, add some mini pumpkins painted in Halloween colors (black, white, orange) or metallic finishes for a festive, yet sophisticated vibe.
Make Koginut Squash Your New Fall Go-To
Whether you’re roasting up a cozy dinner, adding a pop of fall color to your home, or doing both, the Koginut squash is here to make this season extra special. Try it out in the kitchen with this delicious recipe, or simply enjoy its beauty as a part of your fall decor.
Don’t forget to grab your cast iron skillet and chef’s knife to make prepping and cooking with Koginut squash a breeze. Happy fall, and happy cooking!
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