Roasted Black Futsu Squash with Salsa Verde and Lentils

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No need to peel the Black Futsu Squash before roasting. Enjoy it’s nutty flavor with warm lentils and herby salsa verde. Save this one as a vegetarian side dish for the holidays, or as a special lunch just for you.

roasted black futsu squash on lentils with salsa verde and feta

Growing winter squash in the garden

You may have struggled with squash vine borers destroying your beautiful winter squash before they had a chance to fully ripen. One day the leaves are bright green and pointed towards the sun, and the next day they’re deflated and wilting. Bummer! I say instead of fighting with nature, choose a variety that won’t be bothered by those pests. Enter, black futsu.

This year I did a trial in my garden and planted a black futsu along with a buttercup burgess variety. The only one that made it through squash vine borer season was the black futsu. Plus, it produced six squash from just one plant.

four black futsu squash turning pink and blue

More reasons to love black futsu squash:

Consider growing these for their texture, aesthetics and of course taste. Keep them around for autumn decoration and then devour them for Thanksgiving.

You can eat the skin: The skin of black futsu is totally edible so there’s no need to spend time peeling before cooking.
Easy to grow & productive: This year I harvested six squash from just one plant in the garden. That’s a pretty great ROI per square foot!
Both edible & ornamental: Listen, they’re just the cutest. They’re ready to harvest when the skin turns from shiny to matte and will continue to change colors as they ripen in storage. They’re a gorgeous blend of blue/green/pink/purple/grey.

A Japanese pumpkin delicacy paired with salsa verde

Black Futsu is a Japanese heirloom pumpkin variety that really couldn’t be more beautiful. When homegrown, they ripen early and make for an attractive autumnal centerpiece, as well as a delicious vegetarian salad.

The salsa verde in this recipe is from Botanica Mag. It’s the perfect salsa verde recipe and deserved to be highlighted in this dish.

black futsu squash lentils salad with herbs and feta

Questions about Black Futsu Squash:

What does black futsu squash taste like?

Most would describe the flavor of black futsu squash as nutty and sweet, both raw and roasted.

Can you eat the skin of black futsu squash?

Yes. The skin of black futsu squash is totally edible.

How do you grow black futsu squash?

Plant black futsu outside after all danger of frost has passed. They can be grown vertically on a trellis or left to sprawl on the ground.

When to harvest black futsu?

Black futsu pumpkin are ready to harvest when the skin has turned from shiny to matte. They may be anywhere from matte green to pink and orange. They will continue to ripen and change colors in storage.

Additions and substitutions:

If you can’t find Black Futsu at the store or farmer’s market, try using Delicata or Kabocha squash. Both have edible skin like Black Futsu.
Make it vegan by swapping out the feta for toasted walnuts or hazelnuts.
Using rice, farro or even sourdough toast would make a great substitute for the lentils.
Add extra protein with a filet of salmon on top.
Be extra and make your own chili flakes to pair the sweet with spicy.