Emilie Meyer
Patty pan squash is a delicious and versatile summer vegetable that can be grilled, sautéed, or roasted. Roasting is a particularly good way to prepare patty pan squash, as it brings out its natural sweetness and creates a tender, golden-brown dish that's perfect as a side. This easy cooking method involves tossing the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and sometimes herbs and spices, before placing it in a hot oven for around 20 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 400°F/200°C or 425°F |
| Patty pan squash preparation | Wash, trim the top and bottom, cut into halves or wedges, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon |
| Seasoning | Oil, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest, herbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes/chilli flakes |
| Roasting time | 12-15 minutes or until tender-crisp; 20-25 minutes until tender and golden brown; 25-35 minutes depending on the size of the pieces |
| Broiling time | 1-2 minutes |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; can be frozen for at least a month |
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What You'll Learn
Patty pan squash preparation
Patty pan squash is a delicious and easy side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and roast them:
Selecting and Storing Patty Pan Squash:
Before preparing patty pan squash, it is important to select fresh, medium-sized squash that is firm, blemish-free, and has shiny skin. Look for a variety of colours and shapes to make the dish more visually appealing and to add a mix of textures and flavours. If you are not cooking the squash right away, store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
Washing and Cutting the Squash:
Start by washing the squash and trimming the top and bottom ends. Cut the squash in half, and if they are very large, you may need to quarter them. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, but do not peel the squash. Then, cut each half into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch wide wedges.
Seasoning and Marinating the Squash:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, your choice of seasonings, and any additional ingredients for flavour. Common seasoning options include garlic (pressed or powder), salt, pepper, thyme, and lemon and herb spice mix. You can also experiment with other spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes. Drizzle or toss the squash with the seasoned oil, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Roasting the Squash:
Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C or 425°F, depending on the recipe variation. Transfer the seasoned squash to a large baking dish or sheet pan, arranging them in a single layer. Place the squash in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender and golden brown, which typically takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your squash pieces. For a crispy finish, you can broil the squash for an additional minute or two.
Serving the Roasted Squash:
Remove the roasted squash from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped herbs like basil, chives, or parsley. You can also finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavour. Serve the patty pan squash as a side dish alongside your choice of protein, such as chicken, salmon, pork chops, or steak. Enjoy!
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Seasoning and roasting
Patty pan squash is a delicious, easy side dish that can be seasoned and roasted to perfection. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect roast:
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Pan Squash
Start by washing the squash and trimming the top and bottom. You can leave the skin on, as it's perfectly edible and adds a nice texture. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then, cut each half into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. If the squash is very large, you may want to quarter it before cutting into pieces.
Step 2: Season and Toss
In a small bowl, whisk together your desired seasonings. A classic combination is olive oil, garlic (pressed or minced), salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add some lemon zest and herbs like thyme, basil, chives, or parsley. For a creamier option, you can add some Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
Once you've prepared your seasoning, place the cut squash pieces into a large bowl and toss them with the seasoning mixture. Ensure that all the pieces are well coated.
Step 3: Roast
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the seasoned squash pieces on the tray in a single layer. Roast the squash for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. For smaller pieces, 12-15 minutes may be sufficient. You're aiming for the squash to be tender and golden brown.
For an optional extra step, you can broil the squash for the final 1-2 minutes to give it a nice crispy finish.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the squash from the oven and place it in a serving bowl. Garnish with some freshly chopped herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and/or some grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm as a side dish, or chill and serve on a bed of greens.
Variations and Tips:
- If you're grilling or sautéing the squash, cut the squash into wedges or 3/4-inch-wide slices instead of cubes. This will help create a beautiful sear and ensure even cooking.
- When seasoning, feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs like onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes/chilli flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Roasted patty pan squash goes well with various main dishes, including pan-fried chicken, air-fried salmon, broiled pork chops, and steak.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious roasted patty pan squash!
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Roasting times and temperatures
Roasting patty pan squash is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure perfect results. Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C or 425°F, depending on your recipe of choice. While the oven is heating up, prepare the squash by washing it and trimming the top and bottom. Cut the squash into bite-sized pieces, about 1" thick or 3/4-inch wedges.
Next, toss the squash pieces with olive oil, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, thyme, or a lemon and herb spice mix. Spread the coated squash pieces on a baking tray or sheet pan.
Now, it's time to roast the squash! Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender-crisp. For larger pieces, the roasting time can be extended to 20-25 minutes, or even 25-35 minutes for a more well-done result. Keep an eye on the squash to avoid overcooking, as the roasting time will depend on the size of your squash pieces and your desired level of doneness.
Finally, remove the squash from the oven when it reaches your desired level of tenderness and browning. For an extra touch of browning, you can broil the squash for an additional 1-2 minutes. Before serving, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like basil, chives, or parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
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Serving suggestions
Roasted patty pan squash is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some serving suggestions:
Herbs and Spices
Patty pan squash has a mild, sweet flavour that pairs well with herbs and spices. You can season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes or chilli flakes. For fresh herbs, parsley, basil, chives, dill, or cilantro are excellent choices. You can also make an herb oil with lemon zest and your choice of herbs, or toss the roasted squash in a mixture of melted butter, lemon juice, chives, and lemon zest.
Proteins
The squash can be served as a side dish with protein-rich mains like pan-fried chicken, air fryer salmon, broiled pork chops, or steak.
Other Vegetable Sides
It also goes well with other vegetable side dishes like garlicky green beans, easy asparagus, or sauteed sugar snap peas.
Salads, Pasta, and Soups
Roasted patty pan squash can be used in salads, pasta dishes, or soups. You can also serve leftovers chilled on top of a bed of greens or puree them and add them to soup.
Cheese
Top the squash with Parmesan cheese or dollops of herbed goat cheese for a boost of flavour.
Pesto
Cilantro pesto is a popular choice to top roasted patty pan squash, bringing out its sweetness.
Other Suggestions
Patty pan squash is also delicious with a squeeze of lemon juice. For a simple side, you can also just toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Storing leftovers
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover roasted patty pan squash, you can serve it chilled on a bed of greens, or puree it and add it to soup. You can also freeze the chilled roasted squash in zippered bags with the date labelled on the outside. It will keep its flavour for at least a month.
To reheat the squash, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and refresh the flavours with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, pop it in the microwave until heated through.
Now you can enjoy your delicious, flavourful roasted patty pan squash again!
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