How to Cut Squash Into Fingers

A squash is a versatile vegetable that tastes a bit like a sweet potato, making it useful for a plethora of dishes. Don't let a squash's odd shape and tough skin intimidate you. Cutting a squash into fingers, or long finger-like strips, is an easy way to cut and cook squash for baking. This technique is intended for any squash with a long, semi-straight shape or portion, such as banana squash, butternut squash and delicata.

Things You'll Need

• Lint-free towel
• Cutting board
• Sharpened knife
• Peeler
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Wash the squash underneath warm running water. Scrub the skin firmly to remove any residue. Dry completely with a lint-free towel.

2. Place the squash on your cutting board. Cut 2 to 3 inches off of the bottom of the squash, or the large round side that looks like the bottom of a bowling pin.

3. Slice the neck of the squash off of the bottom, just where it begins to curve and become wider. Separate this piece entirely, as the neck is the only part of the squash that can be cut into fingers.

4. Peel the neck with the peeler. Hold it from the top and peel downward until all the skin is removed. Discard the skin.

5. Cut the neck in half. Place each piece of the neck face down so that the flat side is touching the cutting board, creating a flat, stable cutting surface. Cut each piece into strips of your desired size.

References

• Cooking Light: How to Cut and Peel Butternut Squash
• A Veggie Venture; How to Cut and Peel Butternut Squash and Keep All Ten Fingers; November 9, 2009
• What's Cooking America: Squash Varieties
• The Nibble: Squash Glossary