Everything Squash!

Summer squash season is upon us, but sometimes we struggle to find ways to eat these curious-looking yellow fruits – yes, technically it is a fruit! Squash makes a great addition to any dinner as they’re full of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as important minerals like folate, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium. On top of all of that, they’re also a great source of fiber! In honor of these brilliantly healthy summer fruits, we at NetCost Market wanted to give you some great squash recipes to try out before the summer ends!

Spicy honey glazed grilled summer squash

If you’re having a summer grill but want to bring something a little different, this great vegetarian summer squash recipe is perfect. It’s packed full of summer flavors and will certainly wow guests!

Recipe

Ingredients: 4 summer squash, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup rice vinegar, ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp. hot chili paste, 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, 1 lime – halved ½ small shallot – thinly sliced, ¼ cup coarsely chopped cilantro, 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds.

Method:

• Get your grill going to medium heat. Cut each squash lengthways, then score a crosshatch pattern in the side of each one.
• Toss the squash and salt in a colander and leave for 10 minutes.
• Combine honey, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili paste in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium heat.
• Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in 1 tbsp. oil.
• Toss squash in the remaining vegetable oil, and then brush with the glaze from the pan.
• Grill the squash for about 3 minutes on both sides, constantly brushing with glaze. Once slightly charred on each side, remove from the grill.
• Squeeze the juice of one lime into a medium bowl and then add the shallots, cilantro, and some salt, and toss together.
• Drizzle this mixture on the freshly grilled squash and then add sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately!

Summer squash baba ghanoush

Baba ghanoush is a classic eggplant dip, but this recipe calls for a slight twist, using summer squash instead. It’s a brilliant addition to any meze meal, or as a simple side with some pita bread as a snack.

Recipe

Ingredients: Olive oil, 3 lbs. summer squash, 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, ½ clove garlic – finely grated, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes.

Method:

• Get a grill going on medium heat. Alternatively, you can do this on the stove-top with a pan.
• Slice the squashes into halves and then grill for about 25 minutes, turning once midway through.
• Let the squash cool, and then scoop out the middle flesh, discarding the skins.
• Pulse the cooled flesh in a food processor with the lemon juice, tahini, and garlic until smooth, and then season with salt and pepper.
• Serve in a bowl with plenty of olive oil drizzled on top to stop it from drying out.

Shaved squash salad

Summer squash is also a brilliant addition to any salad, and it doesn’t even need to be cooked! This shaved summer squash salad includes other tasty summer salad additions such as cherry tomatoes and ricotta cheese.

Recipe

Ingredients: 1 clove garlic – finely grated, 1 tsp. grated lemon zest, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. honey, ¾ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ cup olive oil – a little extra for serving, 1 tsp. salt, 1 pint mixed cherry tomatoes – halved, 1 ½ lbs. mixed summer squash, 4 oz. ricotta Salata – shaved, basil leaves, chopped chives.

Method:

• Mix the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, sugar, red pepper, ¼ cup oil, and 1 tsp. salt in a small bowl until all the sugar and salt have dissolved.
• Toss the tomatoes and another 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a separate bowl and season with salt.
• Using a vegetable shaver, shave the squash to make ribbons.
• Arrange the squash on the plate, allowing for the ribbons to bend and twist to give it some texture. Top with cherry tomatoes, ricotta, basil, and chives, and then drizzle over a good helping of the dressing.
• Serve immediately.

Summer squash is one of those great foods that we often think we’ll use but never actually do. Don’t let this year be like all the others! Make the effort to do something with all those beautifully colorful squashes you’ve seen in the stores recently. At NetCost Market, we stock an array of fresh, high-quality summer squashes, so head down to your nearest store and try out some of these brilliant recipes before the season has passed you by!