Quick & Zesty Patty Pan Squash Recipe for Summer Dinners

Culinary magic happens when you discover the versatile patty pan squash nestled among summer garden treasures.

Small sunshine-colored discs burst with delicate flavor and tender texture.

Gardens overflow with these adorable vegetable gems during peak harvest seasons.

Chefs appreciate their subtle sweetness and delightful bite-sized shape.

Bold cooks can experiment with multiple preparation techniques that highlight natural goodness.

Simple seasonings complement the squash’s mild character beautifully.

Grab your skillet and let deliciousness unfold!

FAQs

• What are patty pan squash?

Patty pan squash are small, round summer squash with scalloped edges, typically yellow, white, or green in color. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, making them perfect for quick cooking methods like sautéing.

• Can I eat patty pan squash raw?

Yes, patty pan squash can be eaten raw. They have a delicate, crisp texture and can be sliced into salads or used as crudités. However, cooking enhances their flavor and makes them more tender.

• Is patty pan squash nutritious?

Absolutely! Patty pan squash is low in calories and packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and fiber. They support digestive health and provide antioxidants that boost overall wellness.

• How do I select the best patty pan squash?

Choose squash that are small to medium-sized, firm to the touch, and have smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid squash with soft spots, yellowing, or wrinkled surfaces, as these indicate they are past their prime.

What’s to Love About Patty Pan Squash

• Quick and Easy Cooking: Master a simple, hassle-free recipe that transforms patty pan squash into a delicious side dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Versatile Vegetable Delight: Enjoy a flexible recipe that works perfectly with whole or wedged squash, allowing you to adapt based on size and personal preference.
• Flavor-Packed Technique: Create golden-brown, tender squash bursting with garlic and herb flavors through a smart sautéing method that maximizes taste and texture.
• Healthy and Nutritious Option: Prepare a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable dish that adds vibrant color and fresh ingredients to your meal without complicated cooking techniques.

Patty Pan Squash Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• Patty Pan Squash: Tender, small summer squash with a delicate flavor and scalloped edges.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that helps create a golden exterior.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful ingredient that adds depth to the dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural squash taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and slight kick to the preparation.

• Fresh Herbs: Bright and fragrant green herbs that add a fresh layer of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a rich, nutty finish to the dish.

Cooking Patty Pan Squash Made Easy

Step 1: Prep the Veggie Stars

Grab your patty pan squash and give them a good rinse under cool water.

Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

If the squash are small, keep them whole for a cute presentation.

For larger ones, slice into wedges that look like delicate sunshine pieces.

• Patty pan squash
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Season with Flavor Magic

Toss the squash pieces into a mixing bowl.

Drizzle olive oil over them like you’re painting a culinary masterpiece.

Sprinkle minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper.

Use your hands to coat every curve and edge of the squash.

Step 3: Fire Up the Skillet

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

Pour in a swirl of olive oil and let it dance and shimmer.

The pan should be hot but not smoking.

Step 4: Create Golden Moments

Carefully arrange the seasoned squash in the skillet.

Make sure they’re not crowded – each piece needs personal space to get perfectly golden.

Sizzle for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful bronze color with crispy edges.

Step 5: Herb and Garlic Dance

In the final minute of cooking, sprinkle extra minced garlic and fresh herbs.

Gently stir to wake up those aromatic flavors without burning the delicate garlic bits.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Slide the gorgeous squash onto a serving plate.

If you’re feeling fancy, dust with grated Parmesan cheese and scatter some extra herb leaves on top.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and looking spectacular.

Smart Tips for Patty Pan Squash

• Use fresh, young patty pan squash for the best taste and tender texture, as older squash can become tough and less flavorful.
• Ensure high heat and single-layer placement in the skillet to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization without steaming the squash.
• Mix fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to complement the squash's mild flavor and add a bright, aromatic dimension to the dish.
• Transform this recipe into a vegan option by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omitting cheese entirely while maintaining the same delicious profile.
• Leftover patty pan squash can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and quickly reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain its crisp exterior and tender interior.

Store & Reheat Patty Pan Squash

• 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.
• Quickly revive the squash by warming in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of olive oil to help restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Spread squash on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out.
• Skip microwaving if possible, as it can make the squash soggy and diminish its crispy, golden texture from original cooking.

Tasty Sides for Patty Pan Squash

Elevate Flavor Companions: Pair Patty Pan Squash with Complementary Delights

• Wine Wonder Match: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the squash's richness, offering bright citrus notes that refresh the palate and enhance the vegetable's delicate flavor.
• Protein Perfect Partner: Grilled chicken or light white fish like tilapia beautifully complement the squash's subtle, buttery texture, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Herbal Harmony Boost: Sprinkle fresh basil, thyme, or oregano alongside the dish to amplify the herb-infused cooking technique and add layers of aromatic complexity.
• Bread Buddy Combination: Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic ciabatta to soak up the olive oil and garlic, providing a delightful textural contrast to the tender squash.

Variations on Patty Pan Squash Dishes

• Herb-Infused Patty Pan: Replace fresh herbs with dried Italian seasoning blend for an intense herbal flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, and sprinkle crumbled queso fresco for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Vegan Herb Roasted Option: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Preparation: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and replace olive oil with extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired low-carb dish.

Patty Pan Squash Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Golden summer squash sings with fresh garden flavors in this simple patty pan squash recipe. Crisp herbs and light seasoning create a delightful side dish that brings Mediterranean sunshine straight to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 4 patty pan squash, washed, trimmed, and cut into desired size (whole or wedges)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, divided

Fresh Herb and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (7.5 g) fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons (14 g) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Carefully inspect patty pan squash for any blemishes or soft spots, ensuring optimal freshness and quality.
2. Thoroughly rinse the squash under cool running water, gently removing any dirt or debris with a soft brush.
3. Trim the stem and bottom ends of the squash, creating a clean, uniform appearance. For larger specimens, slice into wedge-shaped pieces to promote even cooking.
4. Create a flavor base by combining olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Tumble the squash pieces in this aromatic mixture, ensuring each surface is generously coated.
5. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat until it develops a subtle shimmer and light rippling effect.
6. Arrange squash pieces in a single, uncrowded layer within the hot skillet, allowing ample space between each piece for proper caramelization.
7. Allow squash to sizzle undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, developing a golden-brown exterior and achieving a tender interior. Carefully flip each piece to ensure uniform cooking.
8. During the final cooking moments, introduce additional minced garlic and fresh herbs, gently stirring to distribute flavors without scorching the delicate aromatics.
9. Transfer the beautifully caramelized squash to a serving platter, creating an appealing presentation.
10. Optional: Enhance the dish with a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh herbs for added visual and flavor complexity. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Notes

• Choose small to medium-sized patty pan squash for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Pat the squash completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, basil, or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
• For a low-carb and gluten-free option, this recipe naturally fits those dietary requirements without modifications.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg