Surrounded by counters and gardens full of squash, I was left with a dilemma: How to include the summer veggie into more of my meals. It’s really not an objectionable problem to deal with, but a predicament nonetheless. I hate wasting food, especially healthy food. But with a garden and a part-time job at a CSA, it’s nearly impossible to consume all the vegetables that come in and out of my house.
This is when A, the local food bank comes into the picture, or B, meals become absorbed by improvised veggie dishes. Lately it’s been the latter. My mom’s always been a huge fan of plates full of vegetables, so when I decided I wanted to do something with squash one night, she suggested making this. Not surprisingly, it turned into our main course. However, ever since, we’ve been serving it as a side, complimenting countless evening meals.
I’m a huge fan of simple dishes, but even I was surprised at how tasty this was! The flavors of the summer squash really stand out in this, even amidst the acidity of the tomatoes. My mom and I thought about adding basil, but we both agreed that we liked how much you could really taste the squash in this.
Serve as a side, or alongside a crusty piece of bread.
Ingredients
- -2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- -1 1/2 cups onion, coarsely chopped
- -3 cloves garlic, minced
- -1-2 Serrano chili peppers, most of seeds removed, minced (optional)
- -3 medium tomatoes, about 2 cups, chopped
- -2 medium-large squash, about 4 cups, sliced in 1/3-inch rounds (one zucchini, one yellow)
- -1 tsp. kosher salt
- -Fresh black pepper, a few grinds
- -Cholula, optional
Instructions
- In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium-high. Saute onion, garlic, and peppers, if using, for one minute. Stir in chopped tomatoes, and saute another minute.
- Add squash, cover, and cook 30 seconds. Remove lid, and add salt and pepper. Stir, recover, and simmer 8-10 minutes, or until squash is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Drizzle a few drops of Cholula over top, if using.
5 Comments
Hannah (BitterSweet)
August 21, 2011 at 9:29 amI wish that dealing with “too much” zucchini was a problem I had- I love it and can’t get enough! I like to pretend that I have a bumper crop of zukes sometimes, and churn out the zucchini dishes at the end of summer… This recipe could just be the perfect way to kick it off. 😉 So simple and fresh!
Kelly
August 21, 2011 at 8:45 pmLovely Grace – I like when vegetables appear ample and hearty – full of flavour and delight!
Rob @ How to Cook Hero
August 22, 2011 at 12:44 amI think the addition of the serrano peppers would really add a zing to this that could only make it the greatest use of squash ever.
Most people just cut them up and bake them.
Suckers!
melindard
August 22, 2011 at 1:27 amYum! I love squash! Looks good. I can’t wait until our stuff arrives in our new home and I can start cooking again.
Weighting For 50@weightingfor50
August 22, 2011 at 2:29 pmOh my goodness…what a DELICIOUS seasonal recipe!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Hope your week is a good one!