Oh, the humble patty pan squash—it’s like the quirky cousin at the family reunion, often overlooked but full of surprises. These little UFO-shaped veggies pack a punch of flavor that’s both mild and slightly nutty, making them the perfect canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, these squash recipes are about to become your new go-tos. I mean, who knew a squash could feel like a hidden gem in your kitchen adventures?
Steps
- Cut the patty pan squash into pieces approximately 1 inch in size, keeping in mind that the shapes may vary slightly.
- Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the squash pieces and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 7 to 10 minutes until they become tender but maintain a firm texture.
- Once the squash is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Mix in lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley, ensuring the flavors are well combined.
- Transfer the sautéed squash to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- Patty pan squash (amount not specified, use a mix of colors and shapes if desired)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil for topping, chopped
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
FAQ
- What is patty pan squash, and how does it taste?
- Patty pan squash is a small, uniquely shaped summer squash that can be round, tulip-shaped, or resemble a flying saucer with scalloped edges. It comes in various colors like dark green, light green, yellow, or a mix. The flavor is similar to yellow squash but with a firmer, denser texture.
- How do you cook patty pan squash in this recipe?
- To prepare this dish, slice the squash into roughly 1-inch pieces. Sauté them in extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until tender but still slightly firm. Add lemon juice, garlic, and parsley, then serve topped with fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
- What dishes pair well with sautéed patty pan squash?
- This squash recipe complements a variety of summer meals. It pairs especially well with pizzas like pesto or Margherita, and it also goes nicely with pasta dishes such as cherry tomato pasta, pesto pasta, or spaghetti aglio e olio.
- Can I customize this patty pan squash recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating ingredients like toasted walnuts, pine nuts, basil pesto, or shaved Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
- What other summer squash recipes can I try if I enjoy this one?
- If you like this recipe, consider trying other summer squash dishes such as sautéed yellow squash, zucchini fritters, veggie noodles, or stuffed zucchini boats. These options provide a variety of flavors and textures to explore.
Tips
- Cut Uniformly: To ensure even cooking, slice the patty pan squash into similarly-sized pieces, aiming for about 1-inch chunks. This will help the squash cook consistently and prevent some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.
- Let it Brown: Allow the squash to brown by stirring it only occasionally while sautéing. This will give it a nice caramelized edge and enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs Last: Add the lemon juice, garlic, and parsley at the end of the cooking process after removing the skillet from heat. This preserves their fresh flavors and prevents the garlic from becoming bitter.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to personalize the recipe by adding toppings like toasted nuts for crunch or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an umami boost.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality large skillet is essential for sautéing the squash evenly.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp chef’s knife is useful for cutting the squash into uniform pieces.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board to safely chop the ingredients.
- Citrus Juicer – A citrus juicer can help extract lemon juice efficiently.
- Garlic Press – A garlic press can be handy for quickly mincing garlic.
