This was an inspired variation on my standard Cheesy Summer Squash Saute on a night when I had lots of squash, and an open package of bacon, but no basil on hand. The addition of bacon, along with the cheese, makes this substantial enough to serve as a main dish if you like.
4-6 ounces uncooked bacon, chopped small
1 large onion, sliced
3-4 large summer squashes or zucchinis, sliced into 1/8-inch rounds (or half or quarter rounds)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Cook the bacon most of the way in a large skillet. Pour off excess fat if there is a lot, leaving a generous amount for sauteing the onions and squash.
Add the onions and squash to the pan and saute over high heat for a few minutes, until they begin to brown on the bottom, then lower the heat to medium and saute, stirring periodically, until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from heat and top with cheese. Cover until the cheese melts. Serve hot.
Serves 4-6.
Showing posts with label summer squash. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer squash. Show all posts
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Creamy Corn Soup with Pureed Summer Squash
Here's a creamy, warming soup for fall that makes good use of summer produce that's still available. (Our summer squash is slowing down, but I still picked seven of them yesterday!) You can substitute zucchini for the summer squash in this recipe, but the result will not be quite as sweet, and the color may be a bit muddy.
Olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 lbs summer squash, cubed or sliced
Chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper
Kernels from 6 ears of corn (about 3 cups)
1/2 - 3/4 cup cream, or to taste
Heat a bit of olive oil in a soup pot. Add the garlic and onion and saute over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the squash and enough stock to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the squash is very tender, about 10-15 minutes.
When the squash is tender, puree the soup using an immersion blender (or do it in batches in a regular blender, then return it to the pot). Add salt and pepper, then stir in the corn. Simmer for a few minutes, until the corn is tender. Turn off the heat and stir in the cream. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serves 4-6.
Olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 lbs summer squash, cubed or sliced
Chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper
Kernels from 6 ears of corn (about 3 cups)
1/2 - 3/4 cup cream, or to taste
Heat a bit of olive oil in a soup pot. Add the garlic and onion and saute over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the squash and enough stock to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the squash is very tender, about 10-15 minutes.
When the squash is tender, puree the soup using an immersion blender (or do it in batches in a regular blender, then return it to the pot). Add salt and pepper, then stir in the corn. Simmer for a few minutes, until the corn is tender. Turn off the heat and stir in the cream. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serves 4-6.
Roasted September Vegetables with Thyme and Red Wine Vinegar
This combination of vegetables goes well together with many different seasoning options. Here's another one, savory and tangy on the tongue. Substitute other mushrooms if you like.
1 large eggplant, peeled and cubed
2 sweet red peppers, in bite sized pieces
1-2 summer squash or zucchini, cubed
1/4 lb shiitake mushrooms, halved or sliced
1 medium onion, diced
Olive oil
2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 Tbsp fresh)
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil, quickly tossing to coat the vegetables before it all soaks into the eggplant. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with the red wine vinegar and toss again.
Spread the vegetables out on a rimmed baking sheet, preferable in a single layer. Roasted for about 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until tender.
Serves about 4.
1 large eggplant, peeled and cubed
2 sweet red peppers, in bite sized pieces
1-2 summer squash or zucchini, cubed
1/4 lb shiitake mushrooms, halved or sliced
1 medium onion, diced
Olive oil
2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 Tbsp fresh)
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil, quickly tossing to coat the vegetables before it all soaks into the eggplant. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with the red wine vinegar and toss again.
Spread the vegetables out on a rimmed baking sheet, preferable in a single layer. Roasted for about 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until tender.
Serves about 4.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Pureed Summer Vegetable Soup with Basil and Italian Sausage
This was excellent, tasting thoroughly of summer in every spoonful. Feel free to skip the sausage for a lighter soup. You can be quite approximate with the quantity of each vegetable. You can substitute zucchini for the summer squash if you like, but a nice yellow summer squash combines with the corn and tomatoes to yield a lovely pale orange soup. (Hat tip to my sister Tara for this recipe idea!)
Olive oil
2 large shallots, finely chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs summer squash, sliced
2-3 cups seeded chopped tomatoes
2 cups corn kernels
1 Parmesan rind (optional but nice if you happen to have one)
Chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb cooked Italian sausage, sliced into thin rounds or diced
1 - 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil
Heat a little olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add the shallots and garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Add the squash and continue to saute over medium high heat for another 3-5 minutes, until the squash begins to soften. Add the tomatoes, corn, and Parmesan rind (if using), then add enough chicken or vegetable stock to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
Remove the Parmesan rind from the pot and puree the vegetable mixture using an immersion blender. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the sausage and basil. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Serves 4-6.
Olive oil
2 large shallots, finely chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs summer squash, sliced
2-3 cups seeded chopped tomatoes
2 cups corn kernels
1 Parmesan rind (optional but nice if you happen to have one)
Chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb cooked Italian sausage, sliced into thin rounds or diced
1 - 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil
Heat a little olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add the shallots and garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Add the squash and continue to saute over medium high heat for another 3-5 minutes, until the squash begins to soften. Add the tomatoes, corn, and Parmesan rind (if using), then add enough chicken or vegetable stock to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
Remove the Parmesan rind from the pot and puree the vegetable mixture using an immersion blender. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the sausage and basil. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Serves 4-6.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Squash Noodles
Another squash for pasta nutrition boosting substitution. The squash has more of a slight crunch instead of chewiness, but it works well here. I served these with Peanut Sauce and we all loved it, even my skeptical seven-year-old. I think they would work well on their own with just the olive oil, salt, and pepper, or you could try tomato sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce, or toss with some fresh herbs.
3 medium summer squash or zucchinis
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Use a vegetable peeler to cut the squash into long ribbons. Work your way around each squash lengthwise until you start to get to the seeds in the middle; discard the core. Toss the noodles in a colander with a sprinkle of salt and let sit for 15-20 minutes to release excess liquid.
After the squash has sat, press down gently to drain off the liquid it has released.
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet. Add the drained squash. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Saute, stirring gently, for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat and drain again if needed. Serve warm or room temperature.
Serves 3-4.
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Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Use a vegetable peeler to cut the squash into long ribbons. Work your way around each squash lengthwise until you start to get to the seeds in the middle; discard the core. Toss the noodles in a colander with a sprinkle of salt and let sit for 15-20 minutes to release excess liquid.
After the squash has sat, press down gently to drain off the liquid it has released.
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet. Add the drained squash. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Saute, stirring gently, for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat and drain again if needed. Serve warm or room temperature.
Serves 3-4.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Southwestern Grilled Vegetables
Any seasonal vegetables will work here, but I do recommend including a tomato and some onion for their flavors. As the tomatoes soften and cook, they will spread themselves over the rest of the vegetables, contributing to the seasoning. Peppers will be nice here when they're ready. I used summer squash and eggplant along with the tomato and onion.
8 cups mixed seasonal vegetables, cubed
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
A couple fresh limes, quartered (optional)
Toss the vegetables in a bowl. Combine the vinegar, oil, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and miss well. Drizzle over the vegetables and stir to coat. Let sit for up to 30 minutes if you have time.
Grill the vegetables in a grill basket. Start them over high heat, stirring every 5-7 minutes. After 10-15 minutes, reduce heat to low and continue to grill until tender, another 10-15 minutes. If you like, turn the heat back up for a few minutes at the end for additional browning.
Top the vegetables with cilantro and a drizzle of fresh lime juice at the table.
Serves about 4.
8 cups mixed seasonal vegetables, cubed
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
A couple fresh limes, quartered (optional)
Toss the vegetables in a bowl. Combine the vinegar, oil, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and miss well. Drizzle over the vegetables and stir to coat. Let sit for up to 30 minutes if you have time.
Grill the vegetables in a grill basket. Start them over high heat, stirring every 5-7 minutes. After 10-15 minutes, reduce heat to low and continue to grill until tender, another 10-15 minutes. If you like, turn the heat back up for a few minutes at the end for additional browning.
Top the vegetables with cilantro and a drizzle of fresh lime juice at the table.
Serves about 4.
Creamy Roasted Summer Squash with Fennel, Shiitakes, and Artichokes
You can skip the artichoke hearts in this dish if you like - they're certainly not local - but they are a nice addition if you're in the mood for a treat. The rest of it blends together in a wonderful medley of rich, sweet, and nutty flavors, and a touch of melted cream cheese at the end ties it all together with a bit of tangy creaminess.
2 medium summer squashes, cubed or in rounds
1 pint shiitake mushroom tops, in large bite sized pieces
1 medium fennel bulb, in bite sized pieces
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed (optional)
Walnut oil (or substitute canola)
Salt and pepper
2 Tbsp cream cheese, warmed
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Combine the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and add salt and pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly. Spread in a single layer (at least more or less) on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice, until vegetables are tender.
Return vegetables to mixing bowl and add the cream cheese in small dabs. Toss with the hot vegetables to distribute throughout.
Serve hot.
Serves about 4.
2 medium summer squashes, cubed or in rounds
1 pint shiitake mushroom tops, in large bite sized pieces
1 medium fennel bulb, in bite sized pieces
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed (optional)
Walnut oil (or substitute canola)
Salt and pepper
2 Tbsp cream cheese, warmed
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Combine the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and add salt and pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly. Spread in a single layer (at least more or less) on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice, until vegetables are tender.
Return vegetables to mixing bowl and add the cream cheese in small dabs. Toss with the hot vegetables to distribute throughout.
Serve hot.
Serves about 4.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Chorizo and Squash Scramble
I was going to make a frittata but decided at the last minute that a scramble would be quicker and easier. I really liked the combination of flavors and textures here. We had leftover grilled chorizo from Hager's farm, which went in here nicely. I served this for dinner, but it would also work for brunch or lunch.
2 cups shredded summer squash or zucchini
4 ounces cooked chorizo, diced
10 large eggs, beaten
2 ounces cream cheese, in small cubes
1-2 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
Oil or butter for cooking
1 can black beans, drained
Salt and pepper to taste
Place the squash or zucchini in a strainer over the sink. Sprinkle with salt, mix, and let stand for 10-15 minutes to release excess liquid. Then squeeze out as much water as you can using your hands or a dish towel.
Combine the eggs, cream cheese, and cheddar in a bowl.
Heat a little oil or butter in a large skillet. Add the squash or zucchini and saute for 2 minutes or so. Then add the chorizo and beans. Continue to saute over medium heat until warmed through. Add the egg mixture and cook, scrambling, over low-medium heat until cooked through. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 4-5 as a main dish.
2 cups shredded summer squash or zucchini
4 ounces cooked chorizo, diced
10 large eggs, beaten
2 ounces cream cheese, in small cubes
1-2 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
Oil or butter for cooking
1 can black beans, drained
Salt and pepper to taste
Place the squash or zucchini in a strainer over the sink. Sprinkle with salt, mix, and let stand for 10-15 minutes to release excess liquid. Then squeeze out as much water as you can using your hands or a dish towel.
Combine the eggs, cream cheese, and cheddar in a bowl.
Heat a little oil or butter in a large skillet. Add the squash or zucchini and saute for 2 minutes or so. Then add the chorizo and beans. Continue to saute over medium heat until warmed through. Add the egg mixture and cook, scrambling, over low-medium heat until cooked through. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 4-5 as a main dish.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Greek Squash Fritters
You can make these with either summer squash or zucchini or a combination. The addition of feta and ground walnuts gives them enough protein to make a main dish. A bit of yogurt or sour cream on top is nice. I served these for dinner, but they could do for brunch as well.
2 lbs summer squash or zucchini, shredded
Salt
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup walnuts, ground or finely chopped
5-6 ounces crumbled feta
1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
2 eggs, beaten
Olive oil
Plain yogurt or sour cream for topping
Place the shredded squash in a colander and sprinkle liberally with salt. Stir to mix the salt in, then let sit in the sink or over a bowl for 10-15 minutes to release excess liquid. Press out as much extra liquid as possible using your hands or a dish towel.
Place the drained squash in a large mixing bowl. Add the onion, walnuts, feta, oregano, parsley, and pepper and mix well. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, then stir again to coat. Add the eggs and stir to coat again.
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet or two. Drop spoonfuls of the squash mixture into the hot pan, flattening to no more than 1/2-inch thick. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then carefully flip and cook the other side. Keep cooked fritters warm on a covered plate or low oven.
Serve hot. Pass yogurt or sour cream at the table for topping.
Serves 4-6.
2 lbs summer squash or zucchini, shredded
Salt
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup walnuts, ground or finely chopped
5-6 ounces crumbled feta
1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
2 eggs, beaten
Olive oil
Plain yogurt or sour cream for topping
Place the shredded squash in a colander and sprinkle liberally with salt. Stir to mix the salt in, then let sit in the sink or over a bowl for 10-15 minutes to release excess liquid. Press out as much extra liquid as possible using your hands or a dish towel.
Place the drained squash in a large mixing bowl. Add the onion, walnuts, feta, oregano, parsley, and pepper and mix well. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, then stir again to coat. Add the eggs and stir to coat again.
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet or two. Drop spoonfuls of the squash mixture into the hot pan, flattening to no more than 1/2-inch thick. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then carefully flip and cook the other side. Keep cooked fritters warm on a covered plate or low oven.
Serve hot. Pass yogurt or sour cream at the table for topping.
Serves 4-6.
Mashed Summer Squash with Cheddar
This is a slightly different twist on the usual summer squash or zucchini preparations. We all liked it, including the kids. I served it with grilled chorizo alongside, and my seven-year-old swore that bites of the two dishes together was the absolute best way to consume them. If you like this, I think it's a theme that could be riffed on pretty extensively - I'm thinking of additions like chilies or bacon, or substitutions like goat cheese for variety.
5 lbs summer squash or zucchini (about 3-4 large ones), sliced
Salt
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1 head garlic, minced, or 1/2 cup chopped scapes
Splash of water
4-5 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
Salt and pepper to taste
Toss the sliced squash in a colander with a sprinkling of salt all over, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Shake off the excess liquid; pat dry with a dish towel if you're feeling slightly more ambitious. You can skip this step if you like, or if you're in more of a hurry, but it will help make your end product a bit thicker.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add the drained squash and the garlic or scapes. Saute over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of water to keep the garlic from sticking to the bottom. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically. You want the squash to be nice and tender. When it is done. remove from heat and either mash with a potato masher or puree with an immersion blender. Ideally you want to leave it slightly chunky. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Serves about 4.
5 lbs summer squash or zucchini (about 3-4 large ones), sliced
Salt
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1 head garlic, minced, or 1/2 cup chopped scapes
Splash of water
4-5 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
Salt and pepper to taste
Toss the sliced squash in a colander with a sprinkling of salt all over, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Shake off the excess liquid; pat dry with a dish towel if you're feeling slightly more ambitious. You can skip this step if you like, or if you're in more of a hurry, but it will help make your end product a bit thicker.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add the drained squash and the garlic or scapes. Saute over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of water to keep the garlic from sticking to the bottom. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically. You want the squash to be nice and tender. When it is done. remove from heat and either mash with a potato masher or puree with an immersion blender. Ideally you want to leave it slightly chunky. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Serves about 4.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Broiled Polenta with Balsamic Vegetables and Chicken Tomato Sauce
If you have leftover chicken, especially grilled chicken, this would be a great way to use it. Otherwise, if cooking chicken just for this purpose seems like too much bother, skip it or throw in some chickpeas instead.
To do this properly, prepare the polenta ahead of time so it has time to chill and solidify in the refrigerator. If you don't plan that far ahead, though, you can serve it soft in bowls and spoon the topping over it for an equally delicious result. I usually make polenta in my rice cooker now - no fuss, no stirring, no getting burned by spattering polenta - but I've given stovetop instructions below.
Polenta
4 1/2 cups water
1 cup coarse cornmeal
1/2 cup quinoa (or another 1/2 cup cornmeal)
1 1/2 tsp salt
Topping
Olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced lengthwide
1 medium summer squash, diced
1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
3-4 cups diced cooked chicken
3 cups tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Crumbled feta for topping
Prepare the polenta: Bring the water to a boil. Whisk in the cornmeal, then add the quinoa and salt. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired consistency (it should be quite thick). Oil a 9x13-inch pan and spread the polenta into it in an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Refrigerate when no longer hot.
When you are ready to prepare the meal, slice the polenta into squares. Spread them on a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, until crispy on the outside and beginning to brown.
Prepare the vegetables: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion, squash, and shiitakes and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: Combine the chicken and tomato sauce in a saucepan and heat through.
To serve the dish, place squares of broiled polenta on plates. Top with a spoonful of vegetables followed by a spoonful of sauce (alternatively, stir the vegetables into the sauce). Top with crumbled feta at the table.
Serves 4-6.
To do this properly, prepare the polenta ahead of time so it has time to chill and solidify in the refrigerator. If you don't plan that far ahead, though, you can serve it soft in bowls and spoon the topping over it for an equally delicious result. I usually make polenta in my rice cooker now - no fuss, no stirring, no getting burned by spattering polenta - but I've given stovetop instructions below.
Polenta
4 1/2 cups water
1 cup coarse cornmeal
1/2 cup quinoa (or another 1/2 cup cornmeal)
1 1/2 tsp salt
Topping
Olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced lengthwide
1 medium summer squash, diced
1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
3-4 cups diced cooked chicken
3 cups tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Crumbled feta for topping
Prepare the polenta: Bring the water to a boil. Whisk in the cornmeal, then add the quinoa and salt. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired consistency (it should be quite thick). Oil a 9x13-inch pan and spread the polenta into it in an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Refrigerate when no longer hot.
When you are ready to prepare the meal, slice the polenta into squares. Spread them on a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, until crispy on the outside and beginning to brown.
Prepare the vegetables: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion, squash, and shiitakes and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: Combine the chicken and tomato sauce in a saucepan and heat through.
To serve the dish, place squares of broiled polenta on plates. Top with a spoonful of vegetables followed by a spoonful of sauce (alternatively, stir the vegetables into the sauce). Top with crumbled feta at the table.
Serves 4-6.
Barley with Shallots and Summer Squash
This is a simple side dish using some of the season's last summer squash. Although the ingredients are few, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, as the flavors and texture of the shallots, barley, and squash play off each other.
1 cup pearl barley
2 1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp butter
1 small shallot, minced
1 medium summer squash, in very small dice
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the barley and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the barley is tender and the water is all absorbed, about 20-30 minutes.
While the barley cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the shallot and saute for 1-2 minutes, until aromatic. Add the squash and continue to saute until tender. Remove from heat.
Combine the barley and the squash mixture, stirring to thoroughly mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 4-6.
1 cup pearl barley
2 1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp butter
1 small shallot, minced
1 medium summer squash, in very small dice
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the barley and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the barley is tender and the water is all absorbed, about 20-30 minutes.
While the barley cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the shallot and saute for 1-2 minutes, until aromatic. Add the squash and continue to saute until tender. Remove from heat.
Combine the barley and the squash mixture, stirring to thoroughly mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 4-6.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Summer Vegetable Fried Rice with Egg
Fried rice is my go-to dish when I have a bunch of leftover cooked rice in the fridge. You can throw almost anything into it, so it's a great way to clean out extra or aging veggies in the fridge or use whatever the garden is producing in bulk. The vegetables listed here are what I happened to have on hand, but feel free to mix it up. You can throw in diced leftover steak or shredded chicken, chopped bacon, etc., but I also like this version, with a fried egg on top. This makes a good sized batch - we had a few servings leftover after feeding my family. I suggest only frying up as many eggs as you are sure you will serve in the first round; you can also cook a few more later if you need to, or you can cook them up fresh for the leftovers.
Canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 Tbsp grated ginger root (optional)
1 pint shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
1-2 sweet peppers, diced
1-2 hot peppers, seeded and diced (optional)
1 large carrot, diced
1-2 medium summer squashes or zucchinis, diced
4 cups cold cooked rice (white or brown)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 cup cashew or peanut pieces, lightly toasted (optional)
1 cup Thai basil leaves or cilantro (optional)
1 egg per serving
Heat a little canola oil in a wok or large skillet. Add the onion, ginger (if using), and shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining veggies and continue to stir-fry until tender by not mushy. Drizzle in a little soy sauce if the vegetables are sticking too much to the bottom of the pan.
Add the rice to the pan, breaking it up with your fingers if it is clumped. Stir to mix with the vegetables, then drizzle with the soy sauce and make sure it is well combined. Stir in the nut and Thai basil or cilantro, if using. Cover the fried rice and set aside.
Fry enough eggs to place one on top of each serving. Sunny side up makes an attractive presentation, but over easy is fine, too. Ideally the yolk should remain at least somewhat gooey so it can mix in with the fried rice as you eat.
Serves about 6.
Canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 Tbsp grated ginger root (optional)
1 pint shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
1-2 sweet peppers, diced
1-2 hot peppers, seeded and diced (optional)
1 large carrot, diced
1-2 medium summer squashes or zucchinis, diced
4 cups cold cooked rice (white or brown)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 cup cashew or peanut pieces, lightly toasted (optional)
1 cup Thai basil leaves or cilantro (optional)
1 egg per serving
Heat a little canola oil in a wok or large skillet. Add the onion, ginger (if using), and shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining veggies and continue to stir-fry until tender by not mushy. Drizzle in a little soy sauce if the vegetables are sticking too much to the bottom of the pan.
Add the rice to the pan, breaking it up with your fingers if it is clumped. Stir to mix with the vegetables, then drizzle with the soy sauce and make sure it is well combined. Stir in the nut and Thai basil or cilantro, if using. Cover the fried rice and set aside.
Fry enough eggs to place one on top of each serving. Sunny side up makes an attractive presentation, but over easy is fine, too. Ideally the yolk should remain at least somewhat gooey so it can mix in with the fried rice as you eat.
Serves about 6.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Tomato-Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
The tomatoes sort of melt and disintegrate as you grill the vegetables, turning them into almost a light sauce that mixes well with the balsamic vinegar flavoring.
1 medium eggplant, peeled, quartered and sliced 1/4-inch thick (or 2 medium Asian type eggplants)
2-3 medium zucchini or summer squashes, sliced 1/8-1/4-inch thick
1 ripe sweet bell pepper, halved, seeded, and sliced cross-wise
2-3 Roma type paste tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chopped fresh basil for topping
Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinegar and oil and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Grill vegetables in a grill basket over medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and pleasantly charred in places. Serve topped with a generous sprinkle of basil.
Serves 2-4.
1 medium eggplant, peeled, quartered and sliced 1/4-inch thick (or 2 medium Asian type eggplants)
2-3 medium zucchini or summer squashes, sliced 1/8-1/4-inch thick
1 ripe sweet bell pepper, halved, seeded, and sliced cross-wise
2-3 Roma type paste tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chopped fresh basil for topping
Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinegar and oil and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Grill vegetables in a grill basket over medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and pleasantly charred in places. Serve topped with a generous sprinkle of basil.
Serves 2-4.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Pasta with Summer Squash, Sausage, and Basil
A good summery dish, loaded with the produce of the garden.
1 lb cut pasta such as fusilli
Olive oil
1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
2 medium onions, sliced lengthwise
1 cup sliced garlic scapes (or 5-6 minced garlic cloves)
1 1/2 - 2 lbs summer squash and/or zucchini, shredded
2-3 cups fresh basil, sliced into ribbons
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan for topping
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.
While the pasta cooks, cook the sausage in a large skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Set aside when done.
Pour off most of the fat from cooking the basil, then add the onions and scapes and saute over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the squash and cook, stirring often, until tender. Stir in the basil and add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the squash mixture with the pasta. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan at the table.
Serves 4-6.
1 lb cut pasta such as fusilli
Olive oil
1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
2 medium onions, sliced lengthwise
1 cup sliced garlic scapes (or 5-6 minced garlic cloves)
1 1/2 - 2 lbs summer squash and/or zucchini, shredded
2-3 cups fresh basil, sliced into ribbons
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan for topping
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.
While the pasta cooks, cook the sausage in a large skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Set aside when done.
Pour off most of the fat from cooking the basil, then add the onions and scapes and saute over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the squash and cook, stirring often, until tender. Stir in the basil and add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the squash mixture with the pasta. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan at the table.
Serves 4-6.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Risotto with Scapes, Basil, and Summer Squash
It's really starting to feel like summer now, with the first summer squash harvested from the garden (along with garlic scapes and basil). This is substantial enough to serve as a main course. For an alternate presentation, stir only the Parmesan into the rice and top with the vegetable and nut mixture. This recipe gives directions for making the risotto in a pressure cooker (so easy! and fast!) but you can always do it the old fashioned way instead (adding warm liquid half a cup at a time and stirring until absorbed, until the rice is tender and creamy). Feel free to substitute zucchini for the squash.
Olive oil
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
3 1/2 cups warm chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup chopped garlic scapes
3 medium summer squash, diced
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan
3/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
Heat a little olive oil in the pressure cooker. Add the rice and saute over medium-high heat until translucent. Add the stock and stir well, then cover the cooker, lock it, and bring to pressure. Cook for 7 minutes at high pressure, the do a quick release of the steam. Open the cooker and stir; if there is excess liquid, simmer for a few minutes uncovered.
While the risotto cooks, heat a bit more olive oil in a large skillet. Add the scapes and squash at the same time and saute over medium high heat until tender, about 5 minutes. The scapes should retain a little crunch and the squash should still be just firm enough to be toothsome, not mushy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir the vegetables, Parmesan, and pine nuts into the rice and stir to combine well. Serve hot.
Serves 4-5.
Olive oil
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
3 1/2 cups warm chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup chopped garlic scapes
3 medium summer squash, diced
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan
3/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
Heat a little olive oil in the pressure cooker. Add the rice and saute over medium-high heat until translucent. Add the stock and stir well, then cover the cooker, lock it, and bring to pressure. Cook for 7 minutes at high pressure, the do a quick release of the steam. Open the cooker and stir; if there is excess liquid, simmer for a few minutes uncovered.
While the risotto cooks, heat a bit more olive oil in a large skillet. Add the scapes and squash at the same time and saute over medium high heat until tender, about 5 minutes. The scapes should retain a little crunch and the squash should still be just firm enough to be toothsome, not mushy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir the vegetables, Parmesan, and pine nuts into the rice and stir to combine well. Serve hot.
Serves 4-5.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Sauteed Summer Veggies and Olives Over Polenta
Instead of the usual basil with eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and summer squash, I took it in a different kind of Mediterranean direction with olives and feta. The veggies are served in a pile over a bowl of soft polenta and topped with feta and, optionally, pine nuts. Delicious! If you like, substitute quinoa for up to half of the cornmeal in the polenta.
Polenta
4 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups coarse corn meal/polenta meal
1 1/2 tsp salt
Veggies
Olive oil
1 large eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large summer squash, sliced into 1-2" strips (or substitute zucchini)
2 medium sweet peppers (ripe), sliced into strips
1 1/2 - 2 cups peeled, seeded, and diced fresh tomatoes
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp good quality minced olives or olive tapenade (or to taste)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Crumbled feta for topping
Toasted pine nuts for topping (optional)
To make the polenta, bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the cornmeal (and quinoa if using) and salt and whisk to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired thickness.
While the polenta cooks, heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the eggplant and squash and saute over medium heat, stirring frequently, until partially tender. Add the peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, plus a bit more oil if needed, and continue to saute until the vegetables are pleasantly tender. The eggplant should be quite soft. Stir in the olive or tapenade along with the oregano and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the veggies in mounds over bowls of soft polenta. Top with feta and pine nuts (if using) at the table.
Serves about 6.
Polenta
4 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups coarse corn meal/polenta meal
1 1/2 tsp salt
Veggies
Olive oil
1 large eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large summer squash, sliced into 1-2" strips (or substitute zucchini)
2 medium sweet peppers (ripe), sliced into strips
1 1/2 - 2 cups peeled, seeded, and diced fresh tomatoes
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp good quality minced olives or olive tapenade (or to taste)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Crumbled feta for topping
Toasted pine nuts for topping (optional)
To make the polenta, bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the cornmeal (and quinoa if using) and salt and whisk to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired thickness.
While the polenta cooks, heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the eggplant and squash and saute over medium heat, stirring frequently, until partially tender. Add the peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, plus a bit more oil if needed, and continue to saute until the vegetables are pleasantly tender. The eggplant should be quite soft. Stir in the olive or tapenade along with the oregano and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the veggies in mounds over bowls of soft polenta. Top with feta and pine nuts (if using) at the table.
Serves about 6.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Parmesan Roasted Fennel and Zucchini/Summer Squash
Sweet, nutty, and a little salty from the Parmesan. You might even get kids to eat this.
1 1/2 lbs zucchini or summer squash, sliced in 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium fennel bulb, sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. If desired, place a sheet of parchment paper over a large baking pan.
Place the zucchini or squash and the fennel in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle the salt and pepper and the Parmesan. Toss until the vegetables are all well coated.
Spread the veggies out in more or less a single layer on the baking sheet (use two if you need to). Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning once or twice, until tender and partly browned. If desired, finish under the broiler for about 2 minutes for additional browning.
Serves about 4.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Orzo Salad with Raw Corn, Zucchini, and Feta
This salad is light, fresh, and refreshing, full of the flavors of summer. Feel free to substitute summer squash for the zucchini.
8 oz. orzo
Olive oil
2 medium zucchinis, shredded
Kernels from 3 ears of corn (sliced off)
5 garlic scapes, minced (or 1-2 minced garlic cloves)
5-6 large scallions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil
4-6 oz crumbled feta
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2/3 cup grated Parmesan (or more to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the orzo in a pot of salted boiling water. Drain, then cool by rinsing in cold water and drain again.
Drizzle the cooked and cooled orzo with olive and toss to coat. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Serves about 6.
8 oz. orzo
Olive oil
2 medium zucchinis, shredded
Kernels from 3 ears of corn (sliced off)
5 garlic scapes, minced (or 1-2 minced garlic cloves)
5-6 large scallions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil
4-6 oz crumbled feta
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2/3 cup grated Parmesan (or more to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the orzo in a pot of salted boiling water. Drain, then cool by rinsing in cold water and drain again.
Drizzle the cooked and cooled orzo with olive and toss to coat. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Serves about 6.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Pizza with Zucchini, Scapes, and Feta
Picked up some of the first zucchini of the season at the farmers market this weekend! As an added bonus, with the squash finely diced, my five-year-old surprised me by munching it all right down instead of picking it off. Any type of summer squash, green or yellow or both, will do nicely here.
1 14-inch pizza crust
Olive oil
1/2 - 2/3 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chopped scapes
1 1/2 - 2 cups finely diced zucchini or summer squash
3-4 oz crumbled feta
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup basil leaves cut into slender ribbons (chiffonade)
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Lightly paint the pizza crust with olive oil.
Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza crust, then scatter the scapes and squash over it. Top with the feta and a fresh grind of pepper. Bake the pizza for 15-18 minutes, until the crust is done and the cheese begins to brown. When you take the pizza out of the oven, scatter the basil over the top.
Serves 3-4.
1 14-inch pizza crust
Olive oil
1/2 - 2/3 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chopped scapes
1 1/2 - 2 cups finely diced zucchini or summer squash
3-4 oz crumbled feta
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup basil leaves cut into slender ribbons (chiffonade)
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Lightly paint the pizza crust with olive oil.
Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza crust, then scatter the scapes and squash over it. Top with the feta and a fresh grind of pepper. Bake the pizza for 15-18 minutes, until the crust is done and the cheese begins to brown. When you take the pizza out of the oven, scatter the basil over the top.
Serves 3-4.
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