Yaki Kabocha no Gratin

Yaki Kabocha no Gratin is a delightful Japanese baked dish featuring sweet kabocha squash, creamy béchamel sauce, and a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs, making it an irresistible comfort food. This vegetarian dish is perfect for warm gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dinner.

Yaki Kabocha no Gratin
50 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Japanese
380 kcal

Ingredients

  • Kabocha squash - 300 grams
  • Butter - 20 grams
  • All-purpose flour - 20 grams
  • Milk - 200 milliliters
  • Nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese - 100 grams
  • Panko breadcrumbs - 30 grams
  • Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
  • Chopped fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon (for garnish)

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Cut the kabocha squash in half, remove seeds, and steam it for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
  3. Once cooled slightly, scoop out the flesh of the kabocha and mash it in a bowl until smooth.
  4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
  6. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
  7. Fold the mashed kabocha into the béchamel sauce until evenly mixed.
  8. Transfer the kabocha mixture into a baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and the remaining mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle it evenly over the kabocha mixture.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Carbs: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in vitamins A and C from kabocha squash, promoting healthy skin and immune function.
  • High in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Tags

JapaneseVegetarianBaked Dish