How to Sautee Summer Squash

Summer squash sautees easily into a fast and delicious side dish.

After harvesting tender yellow summer squash from a garden, you have several options for preparing and serving this nutritious vegetable. Although you can eat summer squash raw, cooking it lightly and serving it in casseroles or along with entrees appeals to many people. Saute summer squash slices or chunks, cooking them only long enough to impart flavor with seasonings and oil. The sauteed summer squash will be delicately tender.

Things You'll Need

• Colander
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Sautee pan (12 inches in diameter)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Wooden spoon
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Place two or three summer squashes into the colander and wash them with cool water.

2. Lay the summer squash onto the cutting board and slice off the ends with the chef's knife. Discard the ends. Cut the summer squash into slices -- very thin slices (1/8-inch thick), medium thickness (3/8-inch thick) or thicker (about 3/4-inch thick). Thin slices will become very tender after sauteing; medium or thicker slices will retain some crispness.

3. Place the saute pan onto the stovetop and set the burner to medium-high. Pour about 2 tbsp. of olive oil into the pan and heat the oil for about one to two minutes.

4. Add the slices of summer squash to the hot oil and stir them gently with the spoon. Cook the slices for two minutes.

5. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the cooking summer squash, adding as much of both seasonings as you desire.

6. Continue sauteing the summer squash for another two to three minutes, stirring often as you saute. Cook thin slices for less time than thick slices.

7. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the cooked summer squash to the serving platter. Serve the squash immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Add garlic powder, curry powder, marjoram or tarragon to the summer squash as you add salt and pepper, if you desire. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp. of the seasoning of your choice and then add more if you wish.

References

• University of California Cooperative Extension: Summer Squash