Are you looking for a quick and healthy dinner option that's also surprisingly delicious? Look no further! This yellow squash bread recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies while enjoying a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the delightful taste of homemade cooking with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated yellow squash (about 2 medium)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Squash
Start by grating your yellow squash. Make sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy bread.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Bringing it Together
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
Step 5: Adding the Squash
Gently fold in the grated yellow squash. Again, avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Baking the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Yellow Squash Bread:
- Don't skip the squeezing: Squeezing out the excess moisture from the squash is essential for a light and fluffy bread.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
Delicious Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Make it zesty: Incorporate some lemon zest for a brighter, citrusy taste.
- Add raisins or cranberries: Dried fruits add sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, one slice might contain roughly:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This easy yellow squash bread recipe offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this often-overlooked vegetable. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. The recipe's versatility allows for easy customization, making it perfect for satisfying a variety of tastes and preferences. Try it today and experience the delightful simplicity of homemade cooking!