Looking for a new, exciting dish to highlight your summer meals? Learning how to make stuffed pattypan squash can bring a delightful twist to your dinner table. These charming, saucer-shaped squashes are not only cute but also perfect for stuffing with a variety of tasty fillings.
What's great about this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you prefer a vegetarian option with ricotta and basil or a hearty version with ground meat and spinach, there's a stuffed pattypan squash recipe for everyone. You can use a variety of summer squash, choosing from white, yellow, or green, and adjust the ingredients to match your taste.
Preparing pattypan squash involves simple steps that anyone can follow. Slice off the top, scoop out the seeds, and fill them with your chosen mixture. Bake them to perfection, and you have a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing. These stuffed squashes can be a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
Table of Contents
Preparing the Pattypan Squash
To make stuffed pattypan squash, you need to clean, cut, boil, and hollow out the squash. These steps ensure the squash is ready for stuffing and baking.
Cleaning and Cutting the Squash
Begin by rinsing your pattypan squash thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pay special attention to the scalloped edges, where debris can hide.
Once clean, identify the top third of the squash. Using a sharp knife, cut off this top portion to create a lid. The cut should be smooth and straight to make scooping out the insides easier.
Boiling and Softening
Fill a large stockpot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the squash. Carefully place the pattypan squash in the boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Boil the squash for about 5 minutes. They should be barely fork-tender, which means they are soft enough to cut but still hold their shape. Remove the squash from the water and let them cool slightly.
Hollowing Out the Pattypan
With a knife or a melon baller, carefully scoop out the inside pulp of each squash, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. You want to create enough space for your stuffing without compromising the structure.
Dispose of the pulp and seeds. Make sure not to pierce through the outer skin or the scalloped edges while scooping. The hollowed squash should resemble little cups, perfect for filling with your desired stuffing.
Ingredients and Stuffing Mixture
Creating stuffed pattypan squash starts with picking the right ingredients and making a flavorful stuffing mix. The following sections describe the best choices for ingredients, possible substitutions, and steps to prepare the stuffing mixture.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Begin with fresh pattypan squash. Select those that are firm and free of blemishes. The size of the squash can affect cooking time, so aim for consistency.
Common stuffing ingredients include:
- Ground meat (beef, pork, or sausage)
- Vegetables like onions, garlic, and spinach
- Grains such as rice or quinoa
- Cheese varieties like parmesan, ricotta, or cotija
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, oregano, dill, and sage)
Using quality ingredients enhances the overall taste. Be sure each ingredient is fresh and complements the others.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a more personalized touch, you can substitute some ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Possible substitutions:
- Ground meat with vegan crumbles for a vegetarian option
- Quinoa instead of rice for more protein and a nutty flavor
- Bacon in place of sausage for a smoky taste
- Spinach for kale if you prefer a milder leafy green
- Cheese can be adjusted: mozzarella instead of cotija, or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option
Experiment with herbs like fresh dill or oregano to switch up the flavor profile.
Preparing the Stuffing Mix
Prepare the stuffing by first sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
Next, add the ground meat (or its substitute), cooking until browned. Combine this with your cooked grains, like brown rice or quinoa, and toss in your chopped veggies. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and oregano, and add a handful of spinach.
Mix in your chosen cheese at the end, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This forms a cohesive and tasty stuffing, perfect for your pattypan squash.
Baking and Final Touches
Learn how to fill your pattypan squash with a tasty stuffing and bake it to perfection. These steps will show you how to create a delicious dish that’s both beautiful and full of flavor.
Filling and Assembling
Start by cutting the tops off your pattypan squash and scooping out the centers. This creates space for the filling.
Mix your filling ingredients in a bowl. Common fillings include cooked quinoa, ricotta cheese, parmesan, and a variety of seasonings like salt and pepper. For meat lovers, adding a bit of ground sausage can add extra flavor.
Fill each stuffed pattypan squash with your prepared mixture. Ensure the filling is packed well, but not overflowing.
Place the stuffed squash in a lightly oiled baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Baking the Squash to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Once the oven is ready, cover your stuffed squash with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents it from drying out.
Bake covered for about 20 minutes. This allows the squash to get soft without browning too much.
After 20 minutes, uncover and bake for another 10–25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through. The exact time can vary based on the size of the squash and amount of filling.
Check the squash by inserting a knife; it should be tender. Once baked, let the stuffed patty pan squash rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make Stuffed Pattypan Squash
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Bring 1 cup of beef broth to a boil in a saucepan.
4. Add ½ cup of quinoa. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Set the quinoa aside to cool.
6. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the pattypan squash. Slice off a tiny bit from the bottom so they sit flat. Cut off the tops and scoop out the flesh, being careful not to break the sides.
7. Dice half of the scooped squash and set aside.
8. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté ½ chopped sweet onion, 1-2 minced garlic cloves, and the diced squash for 3–4 minutes until the onions soften.
9. Add 1 pound of grass-fed ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink. Stir in 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach or fresh spinach until it wilts.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat. Mix in the cooked quinoa and 1 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Fill each squash with the stuffing mixture. Place the tops back on and drizzle with a little olive oil.
12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 7–10 minutes.
14. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Content of Stuffed Pattypan Squash
Stuffed pattypan squash is not only tasty but also healthy. This dish can be packed with important nutrients, depending on the ingredients you use. Here is a breakdown of the typical nutritional content:
Basic Nutrients
Pattypan Squash (per 100 g):
- Calories: 20
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B6: 10% of the DV
Common Filling Ingredients
Quinoa (1 cup cooked):
- Calories: 222
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 39 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Fat: 4 grams
Ground Beef (90% lean, 100g):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 26 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fat: 17 grams
Ricotta Cheese (½ cup):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
Benefits
- Low in Calories: Pattypan squash itself is low in calories, making it a good choice for those watching their intake.
- High in Vitamins: It is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, which are important for immune and brain health.
- Fiber-Rich: Depending on your filling, this dish can also be high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
Combining these ingredients in stuffed pattypan squash can create a balanced meal that provides protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Always consider the overall nutritional profile based on your specific recipe and the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how to prepare stuffed patty pan squash using various ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and rice. Explore keto-friendly options and the nutritional benefits of this tasty dish.
How can I prepare stuffed patty pan squash with ground beef?
First, cut off the top of each squash and scoop out the center. Then, brown ground beef in a pan with onions and garlic. Mix the beef with bread crumbs, tomatoes, and seasoning. Fill each squash with the beef mixture, place in a baking dish, and bake at 375°F for about 30-45 minutes.
What are some cheese fillings I can use for patty pan squash?
Cheese fillings can include ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination. Mix the cheese with herbs like basil or thyme. You can also add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. Then, fill the hollowed squash with the mixture and bake until the cheese is melted and the squash is tender.
How can I incorporate rice into a patty pan squash stuffing?
Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Then, sauté vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and zucchini in a pan. Mix the cooked rice with the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Fill the squash with the rice mixture and bake at 375°F for 30-45 minutes.
Can you provide keto options for stuffing patty pan squash?
For a keto-friendly stuffing, use ingredients like ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey), cheese, and low-carb vegetables. Avoid ingredients like bread crumbs or rice. Sauté the meat with vegetables, mix with cheese, and stuff the squash. Then, bake until the squash is tender and the filling is cooked through.
What are the nutritional benefits of stuffed pattypan squash?
Pattypan squash is low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C. It's also a good source of fiber. When stuffed with vegetables, lean meats, or cheese, it can provide a balanced meal with proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. It’s a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet.
What's a good way to cook large pattypan squash?
For larger pattypan squash, cut off the top and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Then, blanch the squash in boiling water for a few minutes to soften it. Prepare your desired filling and stuff the squash. Place it in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 45–60 minutes, until the squash is tender.
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