10+ Opo Squash Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Opo squash is a versatile vegetable that can add unique flavors and textures to your meals. Many delicious recipes showcase this special squash. Incorporating opo squash into your cooking can lead to healthier meals and exciting culinary experiences.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, you can enjoy the simplicity and creativity that opo squash recipes offer. This article will guide you through different ways to prepare this tasty vegetable, making it easy for you to enjoy its many benefits at home.

1) Lauki ki Sabzi (Opo Squash Curry)

Lauki ki Sabzi is a tasty and healthy dish. This curry uses opo squash, which is also known as lauki or bottle gourd. It’s easy to make and perfect as a side dish.

You will need a few simple ingredients. The flavors come from onions, tomatoes, and spices. Pair it with daal and rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium lauki (opo squash)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 1 large tomato (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 pinch of asafoetida
• 1 small dry red chili or green chili (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add onions and cook until they turn golden.
4. Mix in tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add chopped lauki and salt, stirring well.
6. Pour in a little water, cover, and simmer until cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve hot with rice or roti. Enjoy!

2) Vietnamese Opo Squash and Shrimp Soup (Canh Bầu Tôm)

Vietnamese Opo Squash and Shrimp Soup, known as Canh Bầu Tôm, is a light and tasty dish. It features fresh opo squash and shrimp, creating a delightful combination. The soup has a clear broth that highlights its simple flavors.

To make this soup, start with fresh ingredients for the best taste. The opo squash adds a natural sweetness, while the shrimp brings a savory touch. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy.

Ingredients

• 1 large opo squash, peeled and sliced thinly
• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 to 1 lb shrimp, peeled and diced
• 4-6 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp mushroom seasoning
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• Minced shallot

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine water, onion, and shrimp.
2. Add sugar, mushroom seasoning, pepper, and fish sauce.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Add the opo squash and cook until tender.
5. Stir in chopped green onions and serve hot.

3) Curried Opo Squash with Lentils

Curried opo squash with lentils is a tasty and nutritious dish. The opo squash adds a mild flavor and nice texture, while lentils provide protein and fiber. This makes it perfect for a hearty meal.

To start, gather your ingredients for an easy cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 2 medium opo squashes, diced
• 1/2 cup Chana Dal (yellow lentils), presoaked
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 diced tomato
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add diced opo squash and soaked lentils.
5. Add turmeric and salt.
6. Pour in enough water to cover the mixture.
7. Simmer until the squash and lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.
8. Serve warm.

4) Roasted Opo Squash with Parmesan

Roasting opo squash brings out its natural sweetness and creates a crispy texture. This simple recipe adds a delightful touch with Parmesan cheese.

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Peel the opo squash and cut off the stem. Next, slice it in half lengthwise.

Drizzle some olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place it cut-side up on a baking sheet. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Roast the squash in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. It’s ready when the cheese is golden brown and the flesh is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 opo squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and cut the opo squash in half.
3. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
4. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the squash.
6. Roast for 30-40 minutes until golden and tender.

5) Opo Squash and Meatball Soup

Opo squash and meatball soup is a warm, comforting dish. The opo squash adds a sweet flavor, while the meatballs make it hearty. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner.

To make this soup, start by simmering the squash in a flavorful broth. Add juicy meatballs for protein. You can customize it with garlic and green onions for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 1 medium opo squash
• ½ lb ground pork
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2-3 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the opo squash.
2. In a pot, combine water and squash. Bring to a boil.
3. In a bowl, mix ground pork, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
4. Add meatballs to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in fish sauce and green onions before serving.

6) Stir-fried Opo Squash with Thai Curry

Stir-fried opo squash with Thai curry is a quick and tasty dish. The squash is cooked until tender and combined with vibrant peppers. The addition of coconut milk adds a creamy texture that enhances the flavors.

You’ll need some simple ingredients to bring this dish together. Start by heating oil in a pan. Add ginger and sauté for a few seconds before mixing in chopped opo squash and colorful peppers.

Stir-fry everything for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are almost cooked. Then, pour in some Thai curry paste and coconut milk. Mix well and allow everything to simmer until fully heated.

Ingredients

• 1 opo squash, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon Thai curry paste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add ginger and sauté for a few seconds.
3. Mix in the opo squash and bell pepper.
4. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add Thai curry paste and coconut milk.
6. Simmer until everything is heated through.

7) Opo Squash with Coconut Milk and Spices

This dish is a creamy, flavorful way to enjoy opo squash. The coconut milk adds richness while the spices bring warmth to your meal.

Start by cubing the opo squash and sautéing it with onions and garlic. Then, add coconut milk and your choice of spices, like turmeric and cumin, for depth. Simmer until the squash is tender and absorbs the flavors.

Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s comforting and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 medium opo squash
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cube the opo squash.
2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add the opo squash and stir.
5. Pour in coconut milk, turmeric, and cumin.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

8) Sautéed Opo Squash with Onions

Sautéed opo squash with onions is a simple and tasty dish. The squash has a mild flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions. This dish can be a great side for any meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh opo squash, onions, cooking oil, salt, and your favorite seasoning.

Ingredients

• 1 medium opo squash, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt, to taste
• Optional seasoning (such as pepper or Italian seasoning)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the opo squash and sprinkle with salt and seasoning.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until the squash is tender. Enjoy your dish!

9) Opo Squash with Curry Leaves and Garlic

Opo squash pairs beautifully with fresh curry leaves and garlic. This dish offers a delightful blend of flavors that is simple to make. You’ll enjoy this recipe on a cozy evening.

To start, heat some oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown. Then, toss in fresh curry leaves for a fragrant touch.

Next, add diced opo squash. Mix well, and season with salt. Cook until the squash becomes tender, stirring occasionally. You can serve this dish warm with rice or flatbreads.

Ingredients

• 1 medium opo squash, diced
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add minced garlic. Sauté until golden brown.
3. Add curry leaves. Stir for a few seconds.
4. Mix in diced opo squash and salt.
5. Cook until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve warm with rice or flatbreads.

10) Vietnamese Opo Squash with Fish Sauce

Vietnamese Opo Squash with Fish Sauce is a tasty and simple dish. The opo squash has a mild flavor that pairs well with the savory fish sauce. This dish is often enjoyed with rice.

To get started, you will need some fresh opo squash. You can slice it thinly to help it cook evenly. The fish sauce adds a rich umami taste that makes the squash shine.

This dish can be served as a side or even a light main dish. It’s great for any meal and is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 large opo squash, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add sliced opo squash and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in fish sauce and sprinkle black pepper.
5. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes before serving.