Savory Steamed Yellow Squash with Sweet Vidalia Onions
This delightful dish showcases the vibrant flavors of summer with tender steamed yellow squash paired with sweet, caramelized Vidalia onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a colorful side dish for gatherings, this recipe is an excellent way to utilize the abundance of squash from your garden or local farmer's market. The addition of butter enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while salt and pepper bring everything together. Simplicity never tasted so good!
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow squash
5 (washed and quartered)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Vidalia onion
1 (chopped coarsely)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the yellow squash thoroughly. Cut them into quarters and set aside.
2
Fill a skillet or saucepan with a small amount of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a gentle boil.
3
Add the quartered squash to the steamer basket and cover. Steam the squash for about 4-5 minutes or until they are fork-tender but retain a bit of crunch.
4
While the squash is steaming, melt the butter in a separate medium-high heat saucepan.
5
Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the coarsely chopped Vidalia onions to the pan. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.
6
Once the squash is done steaming, carefully add it to the pan with the sautéed onions. Gently toss everything together to combine.
7
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Steamed Yellow Squash with Sweet Vidalia Onions?
It is a vibrant summer side dish featuring tender steamed yellow squash combined with sweet, caramelized Vidalia onions and butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this squash dish?
The main ingredients are 5 yellow squash, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 1 Vidalia onion, salt, and black pepper.
How should I prepare the yellow squash?
The squash should be washed thoroughly and then cut into quarters.
Why are Vidalia onions used in this recipe?
Vidalia onions are used because their natural sweetness enhances the flavor of the squash when sautéed.
How long does it take to steam the squash?
The squash should be steamed for about 4 to 5 minutes.
What texture should the squash have after steaming?
The squash should be fork-tender but still retain a bit of crunch.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What equipment do I need to steam the squash?
You will need a skillet or saucepan and a steamer basket.
How do I combine the squash and onions?
Once the squash is steamed, carefully add it to the pan with the sautéed onions and gently toss them together.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste after the squash and onions have been tossed together.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a colorful and fresh side dish perfect for summer gatherings or garden harvests.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make it vegan.
What should the water be doing before adding the squash?
The water in the skillet or saucepan should be brought to a gentle boil before adding the squash to the steamer basket.
How do I know the onions are ready?
The onions are ready when they have become soft and translucent after being sautéed in butter.
Can I use regular onions instead of Vidalia?
Yes, though Vidalia onions are preferred for their sweetness, you can use other onions if necessary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed (squash, butter, onion, salt, pepper) are naturally gluten-free.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to wash the yellow squash thoroughly and cut them into quarters.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 5 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I store leftovers of this squash dish?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated.
Is this a healthy cooking recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy cooking because it uses fresh vegetables and a simple steaming method.
How do I prepare the Vidalia onion?
The Vidalia onion should be chopped coarsely before sautéing.
Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?
While the recipe calls for salt and pepper, you could add herbs like thyme or garlic for extra flavor.
Should the squash be peeled?
No, the recipe specifies washing and quartering the squash, implying the skin remains on.
How should the heat be set for sautéing onions?
The onions should be sautéed in a medium-high heat saucepan.
Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
Fresh squash is recommended for the best texture, but frozen squash can be used if thawed and drained, though it may be softer.
What is the best way to serve this?
It should be served immediately while fresh and vibrant for the best flavor.
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Yes, zucchini is a great substitute and follows a similar steaming time as yellow squash.
How much water is needed for steaming?
Use a small amount of water in the skillet, just enough to produce steam without touching the bottom of the steamer basket.