Opo {Upo} is squash or a gourd. It looks like butternut squash with its lengthy and cylindrical shape, however, they differ in color so instead of yellow like butternut squash, the opo {upo} skin is light green in color.

What does Opo taste like?

My opinion, it tastes like summer! Truly they do. It has a very mild and hint of sweetness and it's very light in texture, kind of like a cucumber.

Can you eat the seeds of opo squash?

When the fruit is still young, the seeds are tender and can be eaten, they become hard, so they should be discarded. It may be bitter so don't eat them!

How do I remove the seeds from the Opo?

To remove the seeds, simply use a spoon to scoop the seeds out.

Sautéed Opo Squash

Name: Sautéed Opo Squash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Philippine
Ingredients: 2 T Olive Oil; 2 cloves of garlic (smashed); 1 medium onion (chopped); 1 medium-sized tomato (chopped); 1 cup of Shrimp (cleaned, peeled and deveined); 1 cup of water or broth; 1 Opo {Upo} squash; Salt & Pepper to taste

Description

A very simple to make and healthy dish, and I bet you have all the ingredients at home, with the exception of the Opo {Upo} squash! You have to try to make this recipe! Only takes less than 30 minutes to make and it's soooooo delicious! And did I say healthy too?

Ingredients

Scale

2 T Olive Oil
2 cloves of garlic (smashed)
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 medium-sized tomato (chopped)
1 cup of Shrimp (cleaned, peeled and deveined)
1 cup of water or broth
1 Opo {Upo} squash
Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

Clean, peel and devein shrimps. Reserving the shells (if you have them) put them in a cup and fill with water to be used as broth when cooking.
Put olive oil in a braiser or skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add garlic and onions. Cook until transparent without burning the garlic. Then add chopped tomato and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the shrimps and cook until pink. Strain the shells from the reserved liquid, and add the liquid into the pan.
Add the squash with the mixture, lower the heat and cover to simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
Add salt & pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Notes

For meat variation: You can use pork with or instead of shrimp.
For Upo/Opo variation: You can use any type of squash or vegetables to use in place of. And when I say any, I mean ANY!!
For a completely vegan recipe: Omit the shrimp!
When cutting vegetables, be sure to cut them all the same size so they cook quickly and evenly.
Serve with steamed rice.

Category: Vegetable
Method: Saute
Cuisine: Philippine

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