Don’t “Squash” Squash!

It may be the beginning green chile season, but New Mexico has lots more to offer as far as local specialty produce. One lesser appreciated season dish that you can find in Albuquerque this time of year is summer squash. Delicious, versatile, and healthy, New Mexico squash can be cooked lots of different ways. It’s also a great, healthier alternative to potatoes--and you can substitute it in a lot of recipes.

The Daily Lobo had some great ideas last week that use summer squash, including squash fritters, squash hummus, and plain old grilled summer squash.

Here’s the recipe for grilled summer squash, which can be the basis of a complete meal, a side dish, or just a snack:

Grilled Summer Squash(serves 8 as a side dish)
4 medium summer squash, washed with ends removed
1-1/2 cups soy sauce
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons white pepper
2 Tablespoons minced fresh herbs such as oregano, parsley, marjoram, sage or tarragon
(or 2 teaspoons dry herbs)
  

Blend all the marinade ingredients (everything save the squash) and set aside. Slice the squash lengthwise about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Toss in the marinade and seal in a large zipper bag. 

Refrigerate, turning occasionally for at least 20 minutes. The squash will be best if it is marinated for 45 minutes to an hour, but no longer than a few hours, as the vinegar will ruin the texture. 

 On a medium-hot grill, either gas or charcoal, cook the squash for two to three minutes and turn. Setting the squash at an angle will leave attractive grill marks and allow the squash to cook evenly. 

 The finished squash will have dark grill marks and be cooked through, but not too soft. Depending on the grill heat, three to four turns will be enough. 

 The grilled squash is good warm or cold. To avoid wasting charcoal, make a large batch of squash and grill it after all the main course dishes are done. This recipe freezes very well and will keep for months. For vegetarians, strips of grilled squash are wonderful with meat substitutes such as veggie burgers. 

To read the rest of the summer squash recipes, click here.