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Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash

Make authentic Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on July 31, 2020
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Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash
⏱️
Prep Time10 mins
🍳
Cook Time55 mins
⌛
Total Time65 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 3 Gem Squash
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This Recipe Makes 3 Gem Squash

Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash is so easy to prepare. Gem squash is a green toned spherical vegetable with a fleshy inside – the inside is usually hard which is why they need to be cooked by either boiling, steaming or baking them, this will then result in a soft palatable & delicious vegetable.

In South Africa, Gem Squash is usually boiled or baked until cooked, but seeing as Instant Pot has a steamer basket in their new accessory kit, I figured why not try out these Gem Squash in it.

The result of steaming this vegetable was amazing! In our household we always boiled them & the inside was always soft but there was a lot of moisture because they are basically submerged into water. Steaming them is my new favourite way of cooking Gem Squash because not only are they perfectly cooked, they do not have that excess moisture in them.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 3 Gem Squash
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Step-by-Step Instructions

26 Steps
  1. Step 1

    This is the steamer basket that I have used from the accessory kit.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    I purchased my Gem Squash already cut into halves with the seeds scooped out.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    If you have them whole, carefully cut them into halves using a sharp knife, thereafter, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds & discard of them.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Once the Gem Squash’s are all cleaned, add them into the steamer basket.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Plug in your Instant Pot, the display should read “OFF”.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Open the Instant Pot Lid & pour the 1 cup of water into the stainless steel inner pot.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Place the steamer basket with the Gem Squash into the Instant Pot – over the water.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Sprinkle over some salt.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “SEALING”.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Press the “Pressure Cook” button. Press the button again to set the pressure level to “MORE” on the display. Next, use the “- or +” buttons & set the cooking time to 00:20 (20 minutes).

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    The Instant Pot should display “ON” until the pressure builds up.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Once the pressure builds up, the “float valve” will pop up – when it pops up, do not attempt to open the lid! Thereafter, the 20 minute timer will count down on the screen.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    After the 20 minutes are over. Do not press Cancel on your Instant Pot, instead, allow it to do a “NATURAL RELEASE” of the pressure for 15 minutes. A counter will automatically display on the screen “L000”.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Allow it to go up to “L015” – this means that it has naturally released the pressure.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Thereafter, press “CANCEL” on your Instant Pot.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “VENTING” to allow the excess steam to release. Once the “float valve” sinks in, it is safe to open the lid.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Carefully take out the steamer basket from the Instant Pot.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Pour out any water that may be in the bowls of the gem squash.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Season with salt &/or ground black pepper.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    These Gem Squash’s may be eaten as is – seasoning only.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Blobs of butter may also be added.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    I added some creamed sweetcorn to my Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash as well. This is optional.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Top with any cheese of your choice, this is also optional. I used Italian Grana Padano.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    The great thing about Gem Squash is that they are a bowl on their own so you can fill them up with whatever you desire.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Serve them as is or as a side to meals such as roast beef/chicken/lamb.

    Step 26 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Steamed Gem Squash in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

Read Full Story →Get in Touch

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