Patty Pan Squash Recipes Indian Style for Flavorful Meals

Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a delightful vegetable that brings a unique shape and mild flavor to any dish. In Indian cuisine, it can be transformed into flavorful, aromatic dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your meals or want to try something new with traditional Indian spices, patty pan squash recipes offer a wonderful way to explore vibrant tastes and textures.

These recipes combine the subtle sweetness of the squash with warming spices, making them perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

In this post, we’ll share multiple delicious Indian-style patty pan squash recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. From simple sautéed dishes to rich curries, these recipes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Get ready to experience the versatility of patty pan squash through classic Indian cooking techniques!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patty pan squash dishes in Indian cuisine are a perfect blend of health and taste. These recipes are:

• Nutritious: Patty pan squash is low in calories and high in vitamins like A and C, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
• Flavorful: Using traditional Indian spices like cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and coriander adds depth and warmth to the mild squash.
• Versatile: You can prepare the squash as a dry stir-fry, a creamy curry, or even stuffed and baked for different meal occasions.
• Easy to cook: These recipes require minimal prep and common pantry spices, making them accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Family-friendly: Mild spice levels make these dishes suitable for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Patty pan squash: 500 grams, washed and chopped
• Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
• Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
• Green chilies: 2, finely chopped
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato: 1 medium, chopped
• Salt: to taste
• Oil: 2 tablespoons (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
• Fresh coriander leaves: for garnish
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garam masala for extra flavor

Equipment

• Medium-sized skillet or frying pan
• Knife and chopping board
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowl or plate
• Optional: Pressure cooker (for curry recipe)

Instructions

Recipe 1: Simple Patty Pan Squash Stir-Fry (Tawa Bhaji)

1. Prepare the squash: Wash the patty pan squash thoroughly and cut into small cubes or slices.
2. Heat oil: In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
3. Temper spices: Once hot, add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds. Let them sputter for a few seconds.
4. Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and green chilies. Cook until onions turn translucent.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
6. Add spices: Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.
7. Add tomatoes: Add chopped tomato and cook until it softens and oil starts separating.
8. Add squash: Add the chopped patty pan squash, mix well with the masala, and sprinkle salt to taste.
9. Cook covered: Cover and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Finish: Once the squash is tender and cooked through, sprinkle garam masala (if using) and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and turn off heat.
11. Serve hot: Serve this dry stir-fry with roti, paratha, or rice.

Recipe 2: Patty Pan Squash Curry

1. Prepare squash: Wash and chop 500 grams of patty pan squash into medium pieces.
2. Heat oil: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them crackle.
3. Sauté onions and chilies: Add finely chopped onions and green chilies, sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add spices: Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder (1 teaspoon each).
6. Add tomatoes and salt: Stir in chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook until tomatoes are mushy.
7. Add squash and water: Add the chopped squash and 1 cup water. Mix well.
8. Simmer: Cover and cook on medium flame for 15-20 minutes until squash is soft and cooked.
9. Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala and fresh coriander leaves.
10. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian breads.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To enhance the flavor, roast the spices lightly before adding them to the dish.

Variation: For a richer curry, add 1/4 cup coconut milk or yogurt towards the end of cooking.

Tip: Adjust chili levels according to your preference – green chilies can be omitted for milder taste.

Variation: Try stuffing patty pan squash with spiced mashed potatoes or paneer, then bake or pan-fry for a delicious twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Patty pan squash dishes pair beautifully with traditional Indian staples. Serve the stir-fry or curry alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm chapatis for a complete meal.

You can also enjoy them with parathas or naan bread for a heartier option.

For a balanced plate, add a side of dal (lentil soup) or raita (yogurt with cucumber and spices) to cool the palate and add variety. These dishes also complement Indian pickles and chutneys well, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Conclusion

Patty pan squash is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that shines in Indian recipes. Whether prepared as a simple stir-fry or a rich curry, it absorbs the delightful medley of spices and herbs typical of Indian cooking.

These recipes not only bring out the best flavors but also make for wholesome, comforting meals that your family will enjoy. Experimenting with patty pan squash is a great way to diversify your vegetable repertoire and embrace seasonal, fresh ingredients.

We hope these recipes inspire you to try patty pan squash in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to tweak the spice levels to suit your taste and explore the variations suggested.

For more delicious vegetable recipes, check out our Mixed Vegetable Curry, Aloo Gobi, and Baingan Bharta. Happy cooking!

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