Sauteed Baby Squash with Basil and Feta – baby pattypan squash is sauteed and then tossed with fresh basil and feta cheese.
As I was reading through some food blogs a few weeks back, I came across a post that Jenn at The Leftover Queen had written, featuring what she called “Spaceship Squash.” I had never heard of these squashes (is it squash for plural or squashes?) until earlier this year, when I ran across a recipe that used them. In the recipe, they were called pattypan squash, but I like Jenn’s name better – spaceship squash.
After reading her post, it got me thinking that I had never posted about the side dish I had made featuring this squash, and I made this several months ago – back in March!!
One thing that I usually love about food magazines is that the recipes featured usually have fruits and veggies that are in season. So when I ran across this recipe in the April edition of Cooking Light, I was a little confused as to why a summer squash was in an April magazine. But for some reason, my attention kept going back to this recipe. So I decided to make it.
Normally, I wouldn’t even look twice at a recipe that features an ingredient that isn’t one so normal that it could be found on the shelf of every grocery store across the US. I know I have complained about this before, but finding ingredients where I live is not always easy. But I can’t complain as much anymore. I think my problem before was that I was shopping at the wrong places. There is a grocery store here – Harmons – that I had always avoided, thinking that it was too expensive. But I have fallen in love. This store has saved my culinary life. They carry a plethora of fruits and veggies – ones that I always had a hard time finding before. And if local fruit or vegetables are in season, that is what will be on the shelves at Harmons. And to my surprise, it is actually cheaper than most of the other grocery stores in the area. And it’s a locally owned store, so I feel much better about shopping there.
I know there aren’t a ton of Utah food bloggers out there, but if you are in Utah, I highly recommend Harmons!
Back to the squash – so when I decided to try this, I knew that if Harmons didn’t have the squash, I wouldn’t be able to find it anywhere else. So I went, and sure enough, they had it. It was ridiculously expensive since it was out of season, but what do you do when have a recipe that you can’t get out of your head?
After we had eaten, I realized that I had totally forgot to add the leeks into the recipe, and I’m sure they would have added some great flavor, but I really enjoyed this as a side dish. And I’m sure it’s even better now that squash is in season, but now that I’m prego, I don’t dare eat feta, which I really miss. (And just on a side note – I think I read too much! Some sources say no feta, some say it’s ok as long as it’s pasteurized – but I guess I’m being a paranoid first time mom and staying away from anything that I’m not sure about!!) But I will be experimenting more with this squash!
Sautéed Baby Squash with Basil and Feta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups baby pattypan squash halved (about 18 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add oil to pan, swirling to coat; heat 20 seconds.
- Add squash to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
- Stir in salt and pepper.
- Transfer squash mixture to a serving platter. Sprinkle with cheese and basil.
Cathy C says
What a great summer side dish – This one is a keeper!!
Cheers
Cathy
http://www.wheresmydamnanswer.com
kimberleyblue says
Feta makes all veggie dishes delicious! I really like the combos going on here – awesome dish!
Elle says
What a great flavor combination with the pattypan squash and feta and basil. Yum! Prety color combo, too.
farida says
I’ve always loved the combination of basil and feta. Baby squash must be very delicious with them. Great recipe!
Peabody says
Mmm, I might try this with some Summer squash I just got.
Gigi says
Beautiful side dish!I’ll have to be on the look out for this particular type of squash.
Paula says
Spaceship Squash! Ha! This is the one squash that I don’t see very often! I’ll be keeping an eye out for it now!
Half Baked says
Mmm that’s a great looking dish! great recipe.
Claire says
Mmmmmm…this looks SO good!
Susan from Food Blogga says
I love the bold flavors in this dish, Deborah, plus it’s so simple to make. Thanks a bunch!
Sophie says
My mom actually craved feta all the time when she was pregnant with my brother…so I think it’s ok, my brother turned out alright :D. Ya know, the cool thing about leeks is that they taste amazing in anything, even white rice! So no worries about forgetting them, and squash is always yummy, too, no matter how you cook it!