Best 4 Sauteed Summer Squash Cooks Illustrated Recipes

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Zucchini, also known as summer squash, is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. In this article, we'll share two delicious recipes for sautéed summer squash from Cook's Illustrated: a classic recipe with garlic and herbs, and a more creative recipe with corn and tomatoes. Both recipes are easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. The classic recipe features sliced zucchini sautéed with garlic, thyme, and olive oil, resulting in a simple yet flavorful dish. The corn and tomato recipe adds sweetness and acidity to the zucchini, creating a more complex and vibrant flavor profile. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy side dish or a vegetarian main course, these sautéed summer squash recipes are sure to please.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

SAUTEED SUMMER SQUASH WITH PARMESAN



Sauteed Summer Squash with Parmesan image

A simple yet delicious recipe to use with fresh grown garden squash! I have been growing my own squash and making this side dish for years.

Provided by KGora

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash     Summer Squash

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 medium yellow summer squash
1 small onion
1 tablespoon butter
½ tablespoon canola oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, divided, or to taste

Steps:

  • Slice squash and onion to 3/16-inch thickness using a mandolin.
  • Melt butter and canola oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add squash and onion to the hot pan and season with salt and pepper. Saute until vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, reduce heat to low, and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
  • Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle with additional tablespoon Parmesan cheese prior to serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.3 calories, Carbohydrate 5.8 g, Cholesterol 11.2 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 146.7 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

SAUTEED SUMMER SQUASH WITH BASIL



Sauteed Summer Squash With Basil image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     easy, quick, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 pounds young fresh summer squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Cut the squash in thick slices. Heat the oil in a large skillet and saute the squash over high heat so that it is golden brown on both sides, but not overcooked. It should still be slightly crunchy. Remove with a slotted spoon as the pieces are cooked and place them in a serving bowl.
  • Add the garlic to skillet, cook until golden. Add with oil left in pan to the squash. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with basil and toss. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 120, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 427 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

SAUTéED SUMMER SQUASH WITH RED PEPPER AND ONION



Sautéed Summer Squash with Red Pepper and Onion image

This is the time of year when, no matter what part of the country you live in, tables at farmers' markets are piled high with summer squash, mounds of it: yellow, light green and dark, round and long. This is a vegetable that expresses itself well in a wide range of dishes; just about every cuisine in the world knows how to show it off. It's an excellent low-calorie food, with only 19 calories per cup of raw squash. This dish is great on its own as a side dish, but it can also be incorporated into many other recipes.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 20m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup chopped)
2 plump garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds summer squash, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 small red pepper, cut in 1/4-inch dice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 8 minutes, and add the garlic, summer squash, red pepper, and about 3/4 teaspoon salt. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, until the squash is translucent and the red pepper tender, about 10 minutes. Add freshly ground pepper, taste and adjust salt. Stir in the parsley and remove from the heat. Serve as a side dish, or use as a filling for a vegetable tart, gratin, or frittata.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 51, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 248 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

FAST SUMMER SQUASH SAUTE



Fast Summer Squash Saute image

"What a yummy and fast way to fix summer squash. You can also grill it." Christie Wethington - Lexington, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 small yellow summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute the squash, onion and garlic in oil and butter for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 59 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 161mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Squash: Select small and tender summer squash, such as zucchini, yellow squash, or pattypan squash. The skin should be thin and smooth, with no blemishes or bruises. Younger squashes will have a better flavor and texture.
  • Prepare the Squash Properly: To maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture, slice the squash into thin, even pieces, about ¼-inch thick. Avoid cutting the squash too thickly, as this will result in a mushy texture.
  • Use High Heat: Sautéing the squash over high heat will help to caramelize the natural sugars and enhance its flavor. A well-seasoned wok or large skillet is ideal for this purpose, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents the squash from sticking.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: To ensure that the squash cooks evenly and develops a nice sear, avoid overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if necessary, adding more squash once the previous batch has browned.
  • Season Generously: Bring out the best flavor in the squash by seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices of your choice. Garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like thyme or basil can add depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Cook Until Tender-Crisp: The ideal texture for sautéed summer squash is tender-crisp, with a slight bite. Cook the squash just until it becomes tender, but still retains a bit of its natural crunch. Overcooking will result in a mushy texture and loss of flavor.

Conclusion:

Sautéed summer squash is a simple yet flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. With its vibrant color, crisp texture, and versatility, it's a perfect way to enjoy the bounty of summer produce. Whether you serve it as a standalone side dish or incorporate it into a larger recipe, sautéed summer squash is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it a staple in the kitchens of home cooks and professional chefs alike.

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