do you peel white squash before cooking it

This roasted patty pan squash recipe is a deliciously simple way to enjoy this hearty summer squash. Season it with spices or top it with cilantro pesto for a flavorful side dish!

My CSA included a few patty pan squash, and I have to admit, I wasn’t exactly sure what to do with them at first. But since I love all kinds of squash, I was excited to play with this new ingredient! I decided to slice it and roast it and it turned out beautifully. Roasting it at a high temperature caramelized the outside without overcooking the squash, and topping it with a cilantro pesto brought out the sweetness.

Their thin skin is edible so no need to peel. By far the fastest way to cook them is on the grill.
do you peel white squash before cooking it

When is patty pan squash in season?

Patty pan squash is a summer squash meaning it is in season starting in July and lasts throughout the remainder of the summer. While it may not be a common squash at the grocery store, keep your eyes peeled for this squash at farmer’s markets!

How to Cook Patty Pan Squash

You can saute it in a skillet, similar to zucchini, or roast it in the oven. I prefer roasting, as it produces a delicious caramelized outside.

To roast the squash, move the oven rack to the middle position. Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot pan. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil onto the hot baking sheet. Spread the squash on the baking sheet in a single layer. (Be careful as the pan will be hot!) Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

do you peel white squash before cooking it

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the squash is golden brown on the bottom. Do not flip the squash. (So only one side will be brown.)

Let cool for a few minutes, then transfer the squash to a plate or serving dish. Top with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or cilantro pesto.

do you peel white squash before cooking it

How to Cook Patty Pan Squash : Summer Eating

FAQ

How do you peel white squash?

Stand upright and, working from top to bottom, cut off the skin in strips with the knife or peeler, following the shape of the squash. You may take off a bit more flesh with a knife than with a peeler, but the knife will be much faster.

Do you peel squash before cooking?

Depending on what type of squash you are using you might not need to peel it, with thinner skinned squash such as butternut squash you can eat the skin. For thicker skinned squash it is often easier to cut the squash into large wedges, roast, and then peel the skin off after it’s cooked when it’s softer and easier.

How do you know when white squash is ready?

Most winter squash give you some cues to know when the fruit are fully ripe or mature. The first thing to check is the hardness of the shell of the fruit. Generally, the shell should be so hard as to make it difficult to make an impression with your finger nail.

What is white squash called?

Pattypan or white squash. Species. Cucurbita pepo. Mature pattypan squash ready for harvesting.

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