In the vibrant realm of seasonal vegetables, grey squash often goes overlooked, but it shouldn't. This unassuming squash, with its mild flavor and versatile culinary applications, deserves a spot in your kitchen. Whether you're looking to expand your vegetable repertoire or seeking new recipe ideas for autumn harvest, these 5 delicious grey squash recipes will captivate your palate and encourage you to give grey squash a chance.
1. Grey Squash and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a versatile dish, and by incorporating grey squash, you add a delightful flavor and a unique texture:
- Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 medium grey squash, diced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Salt, pepper, and olive oil as needed
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add the diced grey squash, cook until slightly tender.
- Mix the cooked quinoa into the pan, along with herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir in feta cheese.
- Stuff the bell peppers with this mixture. Place the peppers in a baking dish, add a bit of water to the bottom of the dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender.
🌟 Note: For a vegan alternative, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese instead of feta.
2. Grey Squash Ribbons with Lemon Herb Dressing
Transform grey squash into a refreshing summer side dish with this simple ribbon recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 2 medium grey squashes
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preparation:
- Using a vegetable peeler, slice the grey squash into long, thin ribbons.
- Whisk together the lemon zest, juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Add herbs.
- Toss the squash ribbons in the dressing and serve immediately or chill slightly for an extra crisp texture.
3. Grilled Grey Squash with Spicy Soy Glaze
Grilling grey squash enhances its natural sweetness while adding a smoky flavor:
- Ingredients:
- 3-4 grey squashes, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Green onions, sliced
- Preparation:
- Mix soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar for the glaze.
- Brush the grey squash slices with this glaze and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
4. Creamy Grey Squash Soup
Warm up with this comforting soup that highlights grey squash’s subtle flavor:
- Ingredients:
- 4 medium grey squashes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or a non-dairy alternative
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg for seasoning
- Fresh chives for garnish
- Preparation:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil until soft. Add the grey squash cubes, stir to coat, then pour in the vegetable broth.
- Simmer until the squash is soft. Blend until smooth. Return to the pot, stir in the cream, season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg.
- Serve hot, garnished with chives.
🌟 Note: Substitute cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option that keeps the soup creamy and smooth.
5. Grey Squash and Feta Galette
Finish off your squash culinary journey with an impressive, yet simple-to-make galette:
- Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust
- 2 grey squashes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Arrange the grey squash slices in concentric circles, leaving a border for folding. Sprinkle with feta cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the edges of the crust over the filling, brush with egg wash, and bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is cooked.
🌟 Note: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for different flavor profiles.
Exploring the world of grey squash not only diversifies your diet but also introduces you to a vegetable with subtle, sweet flavors and a range of culinary possibilities. From the savory depth of the stuffed peppers to the freshness of the ribbons salad, grey squash is a delightful addition to any meal. These recipes offer an exciting way to appreciate and incorporate this often overlooked vegetable into your cooking, proving that sometimes, the most unassuming ingredients can be truly spectacular.
Is grey squash the same as zucchini?
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While both are from the Cucurbita pepo species, grey squash and zucchini differ in texture and taste. Grey squash tends to be denser with a slightly sweeter flavor compared to the more common, water-rich zucchini.
Can you freeze grey squash for later use?
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Yes, grey squash can be frozen. Blanch slices in boiling water for a few minutes, cool them quickly in ice water, drain, and then freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags to prevent sticking.
What’s the best way to store grey squash?
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Store grey squash in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep it in a plastic bag or wrap it to maintain humidity. For longer storage, consider freezing or pickling.
Can grey squash be eaten raw?
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Indeed, grey squash can be consumed raw, much like zucchini. Its firm texture is great for salads or as vegetable ribbons, especially when paired with a light dressing to highlight its delicate flavor.
Are there any health benefits to eating grey squash?
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Yes, grey squash is low in calories but high in vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants. It also contains essential minerals like potassium, which is good for blood pressure management, and manganese, beneficial for bone health.
