Savory Rice-Stuffed Patty Pan Squash
This delightful recipe showcases the beautiful and uniquely shaped yellow patty pan squash, also known as sunburst squash. Recently available at local farmers' markets in delightful sizes, these squash make for an ideal vessel to hold a flavorful rice filling. The combination of long grain brown rice, aromatic sautéed onions, and fresh herbs creates a wholesome stuffing that elevates this dish. This recipe yields four servings and is flexible enough for your culinary creativity; feel free to add proteins like beans or feta cheese for a heartier meal. The stuffing features melted Parmesan and vibrant spinach, making it not just a side, but a flavorful vegetarian main as well. It’s perfect for baking in the oven or trying on the BBQ for an outdoor summer feast. Enjoy leftovers too, as the rice filling can be easily repurposed for another dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow Patty Pan Squash
4 (whole)
Olive Oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1/2 (chopped finely)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Long Grain Brown Rice
1 (cup)
Vegetable Broth
2 (cups)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Fresh Parmesan Cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
Fresh Spinach
1 (cup, chopped)
Fresh Basil
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Olive Oil
1 (teaspoon (for brushing))
Parmesan Cheese
1 (tablespoon (for sprinkling))
Instructions
1
Select a sauté pan that comfortably fits your four whole squash and fill it with about three inches of water. Lightly salt the water and bring it to a boil. If necessary, trim the bottoms of the squash so they sit flat but be careful not to cut too deep.
2
Once the water is boiling, carefully add in the squash, cover with a lid, and let cook for about 10 minutes or until just fork-tender. Meanwhile, chop your onions, garlic, spinach, and basil.
3
After the squash is cooked, gently remove them and set aside. Drain the water from the pan and clean it.
4
Return the sauté pan to medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent. Next, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, being cautious not to let it burn.
5
Add the raw brown rice to the pan, stirring to coat it with the oil. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, and season to taste with salt and pepper if desired. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and allow to simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6
While the rice cooks, prepare the squash by cutting off the tops just below the green part, creating a hollow cavity inside. Use a paring knife to score a circle around the inside and carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh with a teaspoon, ensuring not to break the skin.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly oiling it or lining it with foil.
8
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and spinach. Stir until well combined.
9
Brush the outsides of the hollowed squash with one teaspoon of olive oil. Carefully fill each squash with the rice mixture, packing it in generously and allowing a little to overflow. Place the stuffed squash into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the tops with the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the squash is tender.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Savory Rice-Stuffed Patty Pan Squash?
The main ingredient is yellow patty pan squash, also known as sunburst squash.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields four servings.
Is this stuffed squash recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free as it uses rice and vegetable-based ingredients.
What type of rice is used for the stuffing?
The stuffing uses long grain brown rice.
How long should I boil the whole squash?
The squash should be boiled for about 10 minutes or until it is just fork-tender.
What should I do if the squash won't sit flat?
You can lightly trim the bottoms of the squash so they sit flat, but be careful not to cut too deep.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the brown rice take to simmer?
The rice takes approximately 45 minutes to simmer until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What aromatics are used in the stuffing?
The aromatics include finely chopped onion and minced garlic cloves.
Can I add extra protein to this dish?
Yes, you can add proteins like beans or feta cheese for a heartier meal.
What fresh herbs are included in the rice mixture?
The recipe includes fresh basil.
What kind of greens are mixed into the rice?
Fresh chopped spinach is mixed into the rice stuffing.
How do I prepare the squash for the filling?
Cut off the tops just below the green part, score a circle inside, and scoop out the seeds and some flesh.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
Two cups of vegetable broth are used to cook the rice.
Can I cook this recipe on a BBQ?
Yes, the recipe notes that it can be tried on the BBQ for an outdoor summer feast.
How long does the final baking process take?
The stuffed squash should be baked for 20 minutes.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan for the mixture and 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on top.
What should I do with the outsides of the squash before baking?
Brush the outsides of the hollowed squash with one teaspoon of olive oil.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach.
Is patty pan squash available year-round?
It is described as a seasonal summer squash often found at farmers' markets.
Can the leftovers be reused?
Yes, the rice filling can be easily repurposed for another dish if you have leftovers.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly oil the baking dish or line it with foil.
What is another name for Patty Pan squash?
It is also known as sunburst squash.
How do I know the squash is finished baking?
The squash is done when the tops are golden and the squash itself is tender.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic for only 2-3 minutes after the onions have become translucent.
Should the rice be rinsed before cooking?
The instructions suggest adding raw rice directly to the pan to coat it with oil before adding broth.
What is the texture of the squash after boiling?
It should be just fork-tender, meaning a fork can pierce it with slight resistance.
What amount of onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 of an onion, chopped finely.