5 Delicious Pattypan Squash Recipes You'll Love

The humble pattypan squash is often overlooked in favor of its more popular relatives like zucchini and butternut. However, this flying saucer-shaped squash has a unique charm and versatility in the kitchen that deserves more attention. With its mild flavor and varied texture when cooked, pattypan squash can be transformed into a myriad of delicious dishes. Here are five delightful pattypan squash recipes that are sure to make you fall in love with this underappreciated vegetable.

Grilled Pattypan Squash Salad

Summer BBQs are the perfect time to introduce this vibrant, colorful side dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 4-5 medium pattypan squashes, sliced in half
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage (chopped)
  • Juice and zest of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Arugula
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Coat the pattypan halves with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill the squash until they are tender and have nice grill marks, about 3-5 minutes per side.
  4. Once grilled, remove and let them cool slightly. Toss with lemon juice and zest.
  5. In a salad bowl, combine arugula, grilled pattypan, tomatoes, and feta.
  6. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

🌟 Note: The key to grilling squash effectively is to ensure it is cut uniformly for even cooking.

Stuffed Pattypan Squash

Stuffed vegetables make for a visually appealing main or side dish, and pattypan squash is perfect for this purpose due to its unique shape.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large pattypan squashes
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese
  • Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste
• Steps:
  1. Cut the top off the squashes and scoop out the insides to create a bowl, leaving a 1/4 inch shell.
  2. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms until soft. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Mix the cooked veggies with quinoa or rice, cheese, and parsley.
  4. Stuff the mixture into the squash, place tops back on, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until the squash is tender.

Pattypan Squash Fritters

These fritters offer a crispy, delightful way to enjoy pattypan squash, perfect for breakfast or as an appetizer.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 medium pattypan squashes, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Oil for frying
• Steps:
  1. After grating the squash, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Mix grated squash with egg, flour, Parmesan, onion, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on each side.
  4. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

⚠️ Note: Ensure the fritters are cooked through to avoid a soggy center.

Creamy Pattypan Squash Soup

A comforting bowl of creamy soup showcases the subtle flavors of pattypan squash in a delightful manner.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 medium pattypan squashes, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan option
  • Fresh thyme
  • Salt and white pepper
• Steps:
  1. In a pot, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
  2. Add the chopped squash, thyme, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer until squash is tender.
  3. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to purée the soup until smooth. Return to heat, stir in cream or milk, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or croutons.

Pattypan Squash and Pasta

A quick, hearty pasta dish that marries the earthiness of pattypan squash with the comfort of pasta.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups penne pasta or any short pasta
  • 2 medium pattypan squashes, cubed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh basil, torn
  • Parmesan for serving
  • Salt and pepper
• Steps:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic, sauté until golden, then add squash cubes.
  3. Cook until the squash is tender, then add tomatoes, cook until they soften.
  4. Toss in cooked pasta, basil, and adjust seasoning. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.

In summary, these five pattypan squash recipes show how versatile and delicious this unique vegetable can be. From grilled salads to creamy soups, pattypan squash can be prepared in numerous ways to cater to different tastes and meals. By incorporating these dishes into your cooking repertoire, you'll appreciate not just its delicate flavor but also its capacity to bring both color and nutrition to your table. Whether you're looking for a new side dish, a healthy appetizer, or a comforting main course, pattypan squash has got you covered.

Is pattypan squash nutritious?

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Yes, pattypan squash is very nutritious. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, manganese, and potassium.

Can you eat the skin of pattypan squash?

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Absolutely! The skin is tender enough to be eaten when the squash is small. As it matures, the skin might become tougher, but it’s still edible if cooked properly.

What substitutes can I use for pattypan squash?

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Pattypan squash can be substituted with zucchini or yellow squash in most recipes. Keep in mind the texture and cooking time might differ slightly.