Ricotta-stuffed squash is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of sweet roasted squash, creamy ricotta filling, and tangy tomato sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This article features three variations of this classic dish: a traditional version, a vegetarian version, and a gluten-free version. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your ricotta-stuffed squash turns out perfectly. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find a recipe in this article that suits your needs and preferences. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SQUASH BLOSSOMS STUFFED WITH RICOTTA
Talk about flower power. As every gardener knows, late summer brings a bumper crop of zucchini and, better yet, of zucchini blossoms-known in Italy as fiori di zucca. Here, the tender yellow-orange blooms are filled with ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mint, then batter-fried. Served alongside an easy tomato sauce (dip as you like), they make an irresistible first course or, with the addition of a green salad, a satisfying main.
Provided by Andrea Albin
Categories Tomato Quick & Easy Dinner Parmesan Ricotta Mint Summer Deep-Fry Gourmet Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 4 (first course) or 2 (main course) servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Make tomato sauce:
- Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil in a 2-quarts heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare squash blossoms:
- Stir together ricotta, yolk, mint, 1/3 cup parmesan, and 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Carefully open each blossom and fill with about 2 rounded teaspoon ricotta filling, gently twisting end of blossom to enclose filling. (You may have filling left over.)
- Whisk together flour, remaining 1/3 cup parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and seltzer in a small bowl.
- Heat 1/2 inch oil to 375°F in a 10-inch heavy skillet. Meanwhile, dip half of blossoms in batter to thinly coat. Fry coated blossoms, turning once, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes total. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain. Coat and fry remaining blossoms. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.) Season with salt. Serve with tomato sauce.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH, RICOTTA & SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE - (4.2/5)
Provided by Jomamma
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Peel, chop and toss in olive oil your butternut squash, then in a hot oven roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to directions. In a bowl add approximately 2 cups of ricotta, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1 fresh smashed garlic clove, 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach ( squeezed and drained), 1 egg, salt, pepper, and your cooled down roasted squash, around 2 cups and grated lemon peel. The lemon peel was key to this dish and added a nice bright flavor. Stuff the shells with the mixture and place in a buttered baking dish. Make a sage brown butter sauce by melting 1 stick of butter in a saute pan until golden brown and bubbly. Add at least 10 sage leaves until slightly crisp. Turn off heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Place your shells in a 400°F oven until heated through around 20-25 minutes. When finished spoon your warm sage sauce all over and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
RICOTTA STUFFED SQUASH
This yummy squash recipe is easy and healthy to make. Serve it warm with pasta or rice.
Provided by Maryanne
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Squash
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Trim off ends of squash; cut squash in half (lengthwise). With a teaspoon scoop out seeds and part of the pulp leaving shells about 1/2 inch thick. Steam squash shells over boiling water until crisp-tender (about 5 minutes). Plunge into cold water, drain well and set aside.
- In a small frying pan over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of the butter. Add onion and garlic and cook until they are done. Squeeze the spinach to remove extra moisture and add to the garlic and onion and cook until thoroughly heated.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, combine eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and spinach mixture. Fill the squash halves with this mixture, about three tablespoons per shell and place squash in a shallow baking dish. Melt the remaining butter and brush over the squash shells
- Bake for 20 minutes. If desired, serve with tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 184.7 calories, Carbohydrate 22.4 g, Cholesterol 58.7 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 8.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 635.3 mg, Sugar 13.3 g
Tips:
- Choose the right squash: Butternut squash is a popular choice for this recipe, but you can also use other winter squashes like acorn squash, spaghetti squash, or kabocha squash.
- Roast the squash until tender: Roasting the squash helps to bring out its natural sweetness and flavor. You can roast the squash whole or cut it into halves or quarters.
- Make sure the ricotta filling is well-seasoned: The ricotta filling should be flavorful and well-seasoned. You can add herbs, spices, and cheese to taste.
- Don't overstuff the squash: Overstuffing the squash can make it difficult to cook evenly. Fill the squash about two-thirds full.
- Bake the squash until the filling is heated through: The squash is done baking when the filling is heated through and the squash is tender.
Conclusion:
Ricotta-stuffed squash is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its creamy ricotta filling and roasted squash, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
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