Sunny Patty Pan Squash Recipe: Garden Fresh Fun

Summer gardens burst with vibrant patty pan squash, a delightful vegetable that adds whimsy to any plate.

This sunny yellow or pale green gem brings unexpected charm to summer cooking.

Delicate and tender, patty pan squash offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements numerous dishes.

Chefs love its unique shape, which resembles a flying saucer with scalloped edges.

Whether roasted, grilled, or sautéed, this versatile squash transforms simple meals into culinary adventures.

Its delicate texture and subtle taste make it a perfect addition to salads, side dishes, and main courses.

Dive into the world of patty pan squash and unlock a fresh, seasonal delight that will tantalize your taste buds.

Reasons to Love Patty Pan Squash

• Quicken Kitchen Skill: Perfect recipe for beginners wanting to level up cooking techniques with simple sautéing method that transforms humble squash into a delicious side dish.
• Boost Veggie Intake: Transforms patty pan squash into a mouthwatering meal that makes eating vegetables enjoyable and exciting for both kids and adults.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and herbs, making it an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for Patty Pan Squash

• Patty Pan Squash: Delicate summer squash with a sweet, mild flavor and unique flower-like shape.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil perfect for sautéing.
• Garlic: Aromatic and pungent flavor enhancer.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste.

• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Bright and fragrant herb topping.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Salty and rich cheese for extra depth.

How to Prepare Patty Pan Squash the Easy Way

Step 1: Prep the Squash

Grab your fresh patty pan squash and give it a thorough rinse under cool water.

Trim off any stems or rough edges.

You can slice the squash into cute wedges or keep them whole if they’re small – totally up to you!

Toss the squash into a mixing bowl.

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle the olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Gently toss everything to ensure each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.

Pour in some olive oil and let it heat up until it starts to shimmer and dance in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté with Precision

Carefully arrange the seasoned squash in a single layer across the hot skillet.

Let each piece sizzle and develop a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and repeat on the other side.

You’re looking for a tender texture with beautiful caramelization.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle in some extra garlic and a handful of fresh herbs.

Gently stir to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the beautifully cooked patty pan squash to a serving dish.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with additional fresh herbs.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious result of your culinary adventure!

Pro Advice for Cooking Patty Pan Squash

• Choose wedges or keep whole based on patty pan squash size to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
• Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve golden-brown caramelization without steaming the squash.
• Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and bright green color.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like Pecorino or aged cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
• Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make the dish vegan-friendly without losing the savory punch.

Reheating and Storing Patty Pan Squash Leftovers

• Store leftover patty pan squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm squash in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Spread pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Quickly reheat for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to prevent overcooking. Drizzle a few drops of olive oil to restore moisture and refresh flavors.
• Enjoy reheated squash within 2 days for optimal taste and texture. Fresh herbs can be sprinkled after reheating to revive the dish's aromatic qualities.

What Goes Well with Patty Pan Squash

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the light, delicate flavor of patty pan squash and cut through its richness.
• Serve with Grilled Protein: Match the squash with herb-crusted chicken breast or delicate white fish like sea bass to create a balanced and elegant meal that enhances the vegetable's subtle taste.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil, thyme, or parsley to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and add a burst of brightness that highlights the squash's natural sweetness.
• Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Combine the sautéed squash with cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives to transform the recipe into a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired accompaniment.

Fun Patty Pan Squash Takes to Try

• Herb-Infused Roasted Squash: Replace sautéing with oven roasting at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, using rosemary, thyme, and sage for deeper herb flavor.
• Vegan Parmesan Alternative
• Mediterranean Style: Add halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese during last cooking minute, creating a Mediterranean-inspired vegetable side dish.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Mix cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika into olive oil seasoning, then top with chopped cilantro and lime zest for a zesty southwestern profile.

FAQs

• What are patty pan squash?

Patty pan squash are small, round, flat summer squash with scalloped edges that look like little flying saucers. They have a mild, delicate flavor and tender texture, similar to zucchini but with a slightly nuttier taste.

• Can I eat patty pan squash raw?

Yes, patty pan squash can be eaten raw! They’re great sliced thin in salads or as a crunchy snack. Raw patty pan squash have a sweet, mild flavor and crisp texture that makes them perfect for fresh dishes.

• How do I choose the best patty pan squash?

Look for small to medium-sized squash that are firm, bright in color, and have smooth, unblemished skin. Smaller squash tend to be more tender and have a sweeter flavor compared to larger ones.

• Are patty pan squash nutritious?

Absolutely! These little squash are low in calories, high in vitamin C, and contain good amounts of magnesium and potassium. They’re also packed with antioxidants and provide a healthy dose of fiber.

Patty Pan Squash Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful “Patty Pan Squash” brings summer’s garden charm to your plate with golden, scalloped medallions of pure vegetable delight. Its tender flesh and buttery essence promise a simple yet sophisticated side dish that celebrates fresh seasonal produce.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 patty pan squash (washed, trimmed, cut into desired size)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (6 g) fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley, chopped)

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cleanse the patty pan squash thoroughly, removing any blemishes or dirt. Slice into uniform wedges or preserve their charming round shape if they are petite.
2. Infuse the squash with a fragrant olive oil marinade, delicately coating each piece with minced garlic, a whisper of salt, and a gentle sprinkle of cracked pepper.
3. Heat a robust skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the cooking surface to become shimmering and eager to embrace the vegetables.
4. Arrange the seasoned squash in a meticulous single layer, ensuring each piece receives direct contact with the hot surface.
5. Allow the squash to caramelize and transform, sizzling for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until a rich golden-brown exterior develops and the interior becomes tender and succulent.
6. During the final moments of cooking, scatter additional aromatic garlic and freshly chopped herbs across the squash, gently folding to distribute the vibrant flavors.
7. Transfer the beautifully cooked patty pan squash to an elegant serving platter, cascading optional Parmesan cheese and a final flourish of verdant herbs to elevate the presentation.
8. Serve immediately, capturing the peak of flavor and textural perfection.

Notes

• Adjust cooking time for different squash sizes to ensure even browning and prevent overcooking.
• Choose smaller patty pan squash for more tender and delicate texture.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and deeper caramelization.
• Experiment with alternative herbs like thyme or rosemary for varied flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 2mg