Pattypan squash: Underestimated summer favorite with versatile uses

For some, it's already a sign that summer is ending: vegetables from the gourd family appear at markets. One of them is the pattypan squash, which we often underestimate. Do you think they have only decorative qualities? That's not true. It's worth giving pattypan squash a try. We have a few recipes that will surely help with that.

Pattypan squash stands out with its unique shape, making it impossible to confuse with other vegetables. And what about the taste? Some people say they don't really have one. They are very delicate, resembling zucchini and yellow squash. At markets, you can find pattypan squash in miniature sizes and much larger ones. Younger ones have fragile skin that doesn't require peeling. On the other hand, older ones develop thicker, bumpier, and tougher skin over time, so it's better to peel them before consumption or processing.

Pattypan squashes have a very delicate taste but pair excellently with most spices. They are also easily combined with other vegetables, meat, cheese, and herbs. They can be used as a main dish or a side. What can you make with pattypans?

Stuffed. With such a dish, their shape alone will make an impression. Pattypans can be filled with ground meat, rice, vegetables, and cheese and then baked in the oven.

Soups. These vegetables are perfect for cream soups. They pair well with other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, parsley, and celery. Such a dish is worth serving with basil or cilantro.

Pancakes. Grate the pattypan squash and prepare cakes similar to zucchini pancakes. They are light and crispy and perfect for well-seasoned sauces.

Grilled. Sliced and drizzled with olive oil, they grill very quickly. It's worth adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.

Pickled. In vinegar brine, they definitely gain character.

Fries. Simply cut the vegetables, coat the fries in breadcrumbs, and fry them in oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 large or 2 medium pattypans
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• Salt, pepper, granulated garlic
• Canola oil or clarified butter for frying

Preparation:

1. Wash the pattypans (peel if necessary), then cut into slices about 0.4 inches thick. If the seed pods are large, remove them.
2. Sprinkle each piece of pattypan with salt and set aside for 15 minutes to release water.
3. After this time, drain the pattypans. Season them with pepper and granulated garlic.
4. Beat the eggs, and prepare a plate with flour and breadcrumbs.
5. First, coat the pattypans in flour, then in the egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Place them immediately on the hot fat.
6. Fry the vegetables over medium heat until the breadcrumbs brown.
7. Place the finished cutlets on a plate lined with paper towels.

Ingredients:

• 5 young pattypans
• Half an onion
• 2 carrots
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 quarts of broth or water

Preparation:

1. Wash the pattypans and cut them into cubes. Peel the onion and chop finely. Peel the carrots and slice them.
2. Sauté the onion in butter. Then, add the remaining vegetables and garlic pressed through a garlic press.
3. Pour water or broth over the sautéed vegetables. When the vegetables are soft, puree everything. Season the soup to taste.