Soft, flame-braaied gem squash strikes the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy. A simple yet impressive braai side that works just as well as a standout side or a comforting vegetarian main. Slow-braaied until tender and lightly caramelised, filled with a vibrant mix of sweet corn, peppers, melted cheese, and fresh parsley.
4 gem squash, halved and seeds removed
1 cup canned sweet corn
1 red pepper, finely diced
1 yellow pepper, finely diced
1–1½ cups grated cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
Fresh parsley, finely chopped, to garnish
You can use a knife or skewers to check if the gem squash is braaied till soft.
If you're short on time, you can microwave gem squash halves, covered, for 5-7 minutes. Then braai and fill as normal.
The gem squash needs medium heat with a closed lid to cook to perfection. High heat without a lid causes the gem squash to be charred on the outside and hard on the inside.
