Are you looking for a quick and easy side dish that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Look no further! This recipe for fried squash will become a staple in your kitchen. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this fried squash is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive in and discover how easy it is to create this delicious and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash (or other winter squash like kabocha or acorn), peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs recommended for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). This will keep the fried squash warm and crispy while you fry everything in batches. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Squash:
- Wash and peel the squash. Remove the seeds and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Evenly sized pieces ensure consistent cooking.
Create the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your dry breading station.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. This is your wet breading station.
- In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Fry the Squash:
- Dredge each squash cube in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dip the floured squash into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the squash in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately.
- Fry the squash in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures even cooking. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried squash from the skillet and place it on the prepared baking sheet to keep warm in the oven.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your delicious fried squash immediately as a side dish. It's perfect alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the squash cubes in a mixture of olive oil, herbs (rosemary, thyme), and garlic for at least 30 minutes before breading.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a vegan-friendly version. You can also experiment with different types of flour like gluten-free blends.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the breaded squash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will vary depending on the amount of squash used and oil absorption. This is an approximation based on a serving of about 1 cup of fried squash. Nutritional information is always an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Protein: Approximately 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This simple recipe for fried squash offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional side dishes. Its ease of preparation and versatility make it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy!