Garden Fresh Grilled Summer Squash
Grilled Summer Squash: Elevate Your Garden Bounty with Sizzling Flavor
Welcome back to our home gardening paradise! With summer in full swing, it's time to explore a delectable way to enjoy your garden's bounty: Grilled Summer Squash. The warm, smoky flavors achieved through grilling bring out the best in these tender delights. In this article, we'll delve into why grilling Summer Squash is an excellent idea, share a mouthwatering grilled Summer Squash recipe, and discover the perfect accompaniments to create a memorable outdoor dining experience. So, fire up those grills and let's dive into the world of grilled Summer Squash!
Why Grilled Summer Squash is a Brilliant Idea
1. Enhanced Flavor Profile: Grilling Summer Squash takes their natural sweetness to new heights. As they caramelize on the grill, their sugars intensify, creating a delightful balance of smoky and slightly sweet flavors. The result is a tantalizing taste that will keep you coming back for more.
2. Simple and Quick Preparation: Grilling Summer Squash is a breeze, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family. With minimal prep work and a short cooking time, you'll have a fantastic dish on the table in no time.
3. Versatility in Pairings: Grilled Summer Squash is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide range of ingredients. Whether served as a standalone side or incorporated into salads, pasta, or sandwiches, its adaptable nature makes it a star ingredient in numerous dishes.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing
Ingredients
2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced (1/4-inch thickness)
2 medium-sized yellow squash, sliced (1/4-inch thickness)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of half a lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the sliced Summer Squash to the bowl, and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let the Summer Squash marinate for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
4. Place the marinated Summer Squash slices directly on the grill grates, arranging them in a single layer.
5. Grill the squash for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear, and the squash becomes tender yet slightly crisp.
6. Remove the grilled Summer Squash from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot as a delightful side dish or as part of a flavorful grilled vegetable medley.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing
This is your heading text.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla molestie mauris quam, in volutpat tortor sodales a. Sed dapibus fermentum turpis a consectetur. Phasellus vel vulputate justo. Pellentesque varius nec dolor at auctor. Suspendisse potenti. Vestibulum sit amet ultricies nibh, quis pellentesque tortor. Nunc augue nulla, malesuada vel nunc in, congue faucibus augue. Duis non sapien nec purus efficitur auctor. Nam quis augue ut libero semper semper a in nisl. Sed dictum feugiat enim at tristique.
Harvest Blossoms
1. Pluck Them
This is the simplest part. Pinch the base of the squash blossom and pluck it straight from it's stem. It's also worth giving the blossom a cool rinse in the sink and patting them dry before cooking. The same picking and cooking methods can be used for all kinds of squash blossoms. Pumpkin blossoms are especially versatile because they are large and the petals are thick enough to withstand some cooking.
2. Choose a Cooking Method
RAW
Pumpkin blossoms and other squash blossoms can be eaten as they are, especially perfect atop a fall green salad.
FRIED
Fried squash blossoms are surprising light and fresh tasting, especially when made in a tempura batter, which is perfect for quick frying that will not overcook the squash blossom on the inside. Try out this Pumpkin Flower Tempura Recipe from Chef DePaprika for a fast and genuinely traditional tempura frying technique.
STUFFED
Pumpkin blossoms can be quite large, certainly larger than other squash blossoms like zucchini, so they are perfect for stuffing. There are lots of great ideas for stuffing, even including Thai Pork-Stuffed Squash Blossoms, but our favorite fall recipe is the Market Stuffed Squash Blossoms from A Spicy Perspective, stuffed with goat cheese and dried cherries. It's the kind of plate that would feel right at home on a Thanksgiving spread.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing
This is your heading text.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Perfect Accompaniments for Grilled Summer Squash
1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Complement the smoky flavors of the grilled Summer Squash with succulent grilled chicken skewers. Marinated in your favorite herbs and spices, these skewers provide a protein-packed partner to your vegetable-focused feast.
2. Quinoa and Feta Salad: Create a refreshing and hearty salad by combining cooked quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Toss it all together with a lemon vinaigrette for a light and zesty companion to your grilled Summer Squash.
3. Grilled Ciabatta Bread: Slice ciabatta bread, brush it with olive oil, and grill until it's lightly toasted. This rustic, crusty bread is an excellent base for enjoying your grilled Summer Squash with a touch of added texture.
With the grilling season in full swing, it's time to make the most of your home garden's bounty by savoring the incredible flavors of grilled Summer Squash. From its enhanced taste profile to its simplicity in preparation, this vegetable is a true delight for gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet family dinner, grilled Summer Squash is a surefire way to elevate your outdoor dining experience. So, seize the moment, gather your fresh Summer Squash, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the very best of your home garden's harvest.
Happy grilling!
