Tag / vegetable recipes

by susanb181

Carmelized Onion, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Tart

Baked tart of onions, tomatoes, and goat cheese won a pastry shell

Delicious vegetable tart with onions, tomatoes and goat cheese

Carmelized Onion, Tomato, Goat Cheese Tart

Every so often we crave something luscious and extra delicious. This tart fills the bill! It’s a bit decadent, but the ingredients are fresh and good. The pastry is thin, so not too many carbs if you stick to a moderate serving. I use store-bought organic pie pastry which states that 1/8 of a pie shell is 120 calories, and 13 gms. of carbs, so you can use that as a guide for your own diets.

Recently I learned a better way to carmelize onions from Cook’s Illustrated, a great cooking resource. One thing is to add water immediately to the onions before browning, and another tip is to add a Tbsp. of water mixed with 1/8 tsp. of baking soda at the end of the cooking process. More details in the “To Do” section below.

This is a great way to use cherry tomatoes from one’s garden, or a farmers’ market. You can use any tomatoes, of course, but the cherries look so pretty; plus we have an abundance of them this year, as I planted a lot while we are sheltering in place!

This tart is a big treat for guests as an appetizer, or as a lunch dish; (when we can have guests, with appropriate social distancing). And, of course, for you and your family. It’s become a favorite of ours. Hope it becomes yours too!

My thoughts and good wishes for you and your loved ones to stay healthy and stay calm.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 store bought or homemade pie shell
  • 1-3 red and yellow onions, depending on size, (and/or leeks- optional), sliced through the root end to approximately 1” slices
  • 3/4 plus 1Tbsp. Water
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 1Tbsp. olive oil and oil spray
  • 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved horizontally
  • 1/2 cup crumbled soft goat cheese
  • 2-3 tsps Minced thyme, basil, chives or any fresh or dried herbs ( if using dried- use 1tsp.)
  • salt or non salt seasoning to taste (add to the onions)

TO DO: (makes 6-8 servings)

1. For the onions: bring onions, 3/4 cup water, oil, to boil in a non-stick skillet over high heat, cover lightly, and cook until water evaporates, and onions start to sizzle, about 10 minutes. The water breaks down and softens the onions cell structure more evenly than dry heat.

Uncover, reduce heat to medium, cook and gently press onions down and brown them, making sure all surfaces are browned; about 10-15 minutes.

Combine baking soda and 1Tbsp. Water – add to onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly until solution is evaporated, about 1-2 minutes. (This baking soda speeds up the sugar conversion in the onions, without added sugar, as in many recipes.)

Either use right away, or keep in fridge up to 3 days.

2. Thaw pastry shell according to package directions, and spread onto a round pan or cast iron skillet, which has been sprayed on the pan’s surface. Note: this is the step that can take advance planning- it takes a couple of hours to thaw pie shell if frozen.)

3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

4.bake empty pie shell 7-8 minutes. Remove and let cool 5-10 minutes.

5. Spread onion mixture evenly onto pie shell, then spread goat cheese on the onions, and halved cherry tomatoes on top. Sprinkle herbs on top.

6. If using a pie pan, put on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating 1/2 way through baking. (No need for baking sheet if using cast iron skillet.)

7. Put on rack and let stand 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve!

That’s it!

If for lunch, serve with a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette–see previous Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Enjoy!

 

www.type2delicious.com

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by susanb181

Easy Vegetable Lentil Soup

Easy Vegetable Lentil Soup

Sorry I haven’t written for a while. I had a total knee replacement and it’s taken a lot of time to recover.

Since now we’re all sheltering in place, The is a perfect recipe to have. It’s easy to make, with versatile ingredients, and makes a lot of food that can cover several meals, or eat some and freeze some.

Also, unlike dried beans of any sort, lentils don’t have to be soaked and cook quite quickly. They are tender in approximately one hour. Lentils are also very nutritious, low in carbs and fat and have lots of fiber.* You can add whatever vegetables you have in your larder, fresh, canned or frozen. We are very lucky to have access to fresh produce at this time, and I hope you do as well.

My thoughts and good wishes for you and your loved ones to stay healthy and stay calm.

INGREDIENTS

  • 16 oz. dried lentils, any type ( green, brown, pink)
  • At least 2cups liquid per cup of lentils—I use chicken or vegetable broth ( or more if the soup is drying out)
  • 1/3 cup dry red or white wine (whatever you’ve got)
  • large can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 3-4 carrots sliced
  • 2-3 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3-5 cloves garlic, chopped (we love garlic- use less if you don’t )
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • Salt or Salt free seasoning, and spices such as thyme; to taste
  • any other vegetables you like, such as green beans, zucchini, red or yellow peppers, peas etc. Canned or frozen are fine. (add additional liquid if adding vegetables)
  • optional: sliced cooked sausage or ham

TO DO: (makes a large pot of soup- enough for 6-8 servings)

1. In  a Dutch oven or 6 qt. pot, Sauté onions, celery, carrots in olive oil for 4-6 minutes.

2.Rinse lentils, and remove any that look shriveled or black.

3. Add lentils to pot. Add Tomatoes, liquids and garlic and other seasoning

4. Cook on stovetop for approx. 1hour, tasting for lentil and veggies tenderness

That’s it!

Serve With whole grain or whole wheat bread, and, as we usually have, a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette–see previous Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Enjoy!

*https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297638

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

German Tangy and Sweet Red Cabbage

My Grandma’s Sweet and Tangy Red Cabbage (Rote Kraut)

 

 

 

 

Bowl of Red Cabbage made with sugar and vinegar on a mosaic table My Grandma’s Sweet and Tangy Red Cabbage (RoteKraut) 

 

 

It’s that time of year again? Wow- so fast! This year we’re having Tday 1 early, a week before the actual day, as I’m having a knee replacement early December. It will be at our house again with my son Alex, his girlfriend Shannon, a few friends, and my son-in-law’s parents. (My son-in-law is in the Navy, stationed in Japan, with my daughter and our two grandkids. I’m making authentic German red cabbage. Actually, it was my son’s request–and I was happy to make the recipe. It’s very easy. The trick for the best results is to use no water, just red wine and red vinegar for the liquid. Also it does take a few hours to cook to the right tenderness and flavor, but is just as good if made in advance and reheated. In fact, that’s my favorite method.

When I have had red cabbage at most German-type restaurants I find it too sweet. The way my Grandma made it it is on the tangy side, with just a hint of sweetness, from the apples and sugar, (in this case, Xylitol. ( If you’ve been following my blog, you know that’s my preferred sweetener for low carb sweetening.) It’s such a great way to enjoy a dish that’s not often served, that is low carb, low calorie, and is full of flavor, fiber, and nutrition *.

 

Dining table with my son and his girlfriend at the end Thanksgiving2–my son and his GF at our table

GERMAN TANGY AND SWEET RED CABBAGE

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 red cabbage (size–your choice) this recipe is for about a 1-2 lb, cabbage
  • 1-2 apples,  sweet/tart, such as Pink Lady, or Pippin, cored and chopped (I do peel them, but leave some peel on)
  • 1-2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (the butter gives a smoothness to the result)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (use more if the cabbage is drying out)
  • 1/2 cup good quality red wine vinegar
  • 2-4 Tbsp. Xylitol –to taste
  • Salt or Salt free seasoning–to taste

TO DO: (serves 4-6 as a side dish or 2 with leftovers)

1. Remove cabbage outer leaves and inner core; chop cabbage into approx. 2 “ pieces

2. Core and peel apples, and chop into approximately 1/2″ pieces

3. Add all ingredients into a Dutch oven or 4 qt. pot.

4. Cook on stovetop for approx. 3-4 hours, tasting for sweet/tangy balance and tenderness

That’s it!

Serve as a side dish; and, as we usually have, a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette–see previous Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Enjoy!

*https://www.livestrong.com/article/272966-red-cabbage-nutrition-information/

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

German Tangy and Sweet Red Cabbage

 

 

 

 

Bowl of Red Cabbage made with sugar and vinegar on a mosaic table My Grandma’s Sweet and Tangy Red Cabbage (RoteKraut) 

 

 

It’s that time of year again? Wow- so fast! This year we’re having Tday 1 early, a week before the actual day, as I’m having a knee replacement early December. It will be at our house again with my son Alex, his girlfriend Shannon, a few friends, and my son-in-law’s parents. (My son-in-law is in the Navy, stationed in Japan, with my daughter and our two grandkids. I’m making authentic German red cabbage. Actually, it was my son’s request–and I was happy to make the recipe. It’s very easy. The trick for the best results is to use no water, just red wine and red vinegar for the liquid. Also it does take a few hours to cook to the right tenderness and flavor, but is just as good if made in advance and reheated. In fact, that’s my favorite method.

When I have had red cabbage at most German-type restaurants I find it too sweet. The way my Grandma made it it is on the tangy side, with just a hint of sweetness, from the apples and sugar, (in this case, Xylitol. ( If you’ve been following my blog, you know that’s my preferred sweetener for low carb sweetening.) It’s such a great way to enjoy a dish that’s not often served, that is low carb, low calorie, and is full of flavor, fiber, and nutrition *.

 

Dining table with my son and his girlfriend at the end Thanksgiving2–my son and his GF at our table

GERMAN TANGY AND SWEET RED CABBAGE

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 red cabbage (size–your choice) this recipe is for about a 1-2 lb, cabbage
  • 1-2 apples,  sweet/tart, such as Pink Lady, or Pippin, cored and chopped (I do peel them, but leave some peel on)
  • 1-2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (the butter gives a smoothness to the result)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (use more if the cabbage is drying out)
  • 1/2 cup good quality red wine vinegar
  • 2-4 Tbsp. Xylitol –to taste
  • Salt or Salt free seasoning–to taste

TO DO: (serves 4-6 as a side dish or 2 with leftovers)

1. Remove cabbage outer leaves and inner core; chop cabbage into approx. 2 “ pieces

2. Core and peel apples, and chop into approximately 1/2″ pieces

3. Add all ingredients into a Dutch oven or 4 qt. pot.

4. Cook on stovetop for approx. 3-4 hours, tasting for sweet/tangy balance and tenderness

That’s it!

Serve as a side dish; and, as we usually have, a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette–see previous Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Enjoy!

*https://www.livestrong.com/article/272966-red-cabbage-nutrition-information/

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

End of Summer Zucchini and Tomato Sauté

Onions, Zucchini and Tomatos in a pan

End of Summer Vegetable Saute Ingredients

Tomatoes, Zucchini, Onions in a pan

Summer Vegetable Saute

Summer Vegetable Sauté

If you’re lucky enough to have a bounty of tomatoes (my favorite!) and zucchinis, this is a tasty and very easy side dish.

I’m originally from Ohio, and we had great weather for growing tomatoes. Come September, the crop was often still abundant, and we were finally ready to do something besides eat them raw or on BLT’s. After making spaghetti sauce, and perhaps canning, this dish is one of my favorites to serve along side roast chicken and grilled fish.

Basically it’s three main ingredients; chopped onions, zucchini and tomatoes. The cooking is simple–sautéing in stages; you can put this together and serve in less than an hour. It can be cooked in advance, refrigerated and then reheated. (I suggest reheating in a pan–not microwaved.) What’s especially good about this dish is that it combines these wonderful summer vegetables and keeps their fresh tasting integrity, while the combination adds a lot of flavor.

Easy, low carb and very delicious!

INGREDIENTS (serves 3-4 with leftovers)

  • 4-6 diced zucchinis (depending on size and how many you want to make–this is easily doubled)
  • 1/2 -1 cup chopped onions
  • 4-6 tomatoes (again, or more– as many as you want to make)
  • 2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • Fresh herbs–thyme, basil, etc. (your choice–I prefer thyme)
  • salt-free seasoning/pepper to taste
  • Optional: a squeeze of lime or lemon juice

TO DO:

1. Chop onions, dice zucchini to approx. 1/2″ pieces, cut tomatoes into quarters, or smaller, depending on the tomato size..

2. Preheat a saute pan to med.high heat, add olive oil

3.  Add the onions and sauce (no cover) for approx 4-5 min. until slightly brown and soft; of course, stirring as they cook.

4. Add zucchini–sauté another 5-6 minutes, until softened (if you like them slightly crunchy, taste for firmness to your taste).

5. Add tomatoes  and sauté another 2-4 minutes, until they are softened and skins separate.

6. Mix all together with herbs and seasonings to your taste, and a few drops of lime of lemon if you like.

Very simple, very fresh tasting–your family and guests will thank you!

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Summer Squash with Secret Sauce

I posted this last year but have had an abundance of squashes, so thought it is a good idea to post again. We’re still enjoying the last of the summer. (Actually, September/October is our real summer- June, July and August are usually foggy and cool here by the ocean); except this summer which was unusually warm— say global warming anyone?

A mix of squash, onion and ketchup sautéed in pan

Delicious sautéed squash and onion dish

Sautéed squashes and onion with ketchup

German Secret Sauce

Which brings me to this recipe for your remaining summer zucchini/squash harvest – plus what’s still available at farmer’ markets. You can use any type of soft skinned winter squashes just as well. This family favorite is a great side dish for roast chicken, broiled fish or almost anything you serve.

I first enjoyed this recipe when I was visiting my mom’s cousin Erica in LA in the eighties. My mom and her cousins Hans and Erica were born in Germany- escaped here during the war. Erica was an excellent cook. This dish surprised me as I had no idea that the “sauce” was nothing but ketchup, and that ketchup is a mainstay of  German cooking!

This is a very easy to make dish with a rich, satisfying taste. It always comes out delicious. You can use any combination of squash and onions you like.  I make it for company and let them guess what is in the sauce- so far no one has figured it out!  But now you know!

German Squash with Secret Sauce

INGREDIENTS

  • 5-7 squashes- your choice (I like to vary the colors- using yellows and greens)
  • 1 large onion plus 1-2 cippolini onions if you like
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • Salt-free seasoning, pepper; or use salt if you can
  • Fresh chopped herbs- thyme or marjoram are my favorites for this

TO DO: (serves 3-4 or 2 with leftovers)

1. Chop onions into 1/2 “ pieces

2. Chop squashes in approximately 1/2 pieces also- they can be sliced but the way Erica made it they were chopped

3. Heat oil on med high heat in large sauté pan; add onions and sauté until just brown- 5-6 minutes

4. Add squashes to pan, and spices; sauté 3-4 more minutes uncovered- cover for about 5 more minutes til tender

5. Add 1/2 cup ketchup—sauté another 2-3 minutes; taste and add more if you like

That’s it! I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how rich tasting this is! Thanks Erica!

Serve as a side dish; and, as we usually have, a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette–see previous Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: Summer Salad with Fresh New Peas and Strawberries

Enjoy!

by susanb181

Super Califragalistic Cauliflower!

Rick and I went to Birba, an excellent restaurant in Palm Springs. It’s a popular place with all outside tables and beautiful lighting, especially enjoyable on a warm night. We loved all the food, but were especially blown away by the cauliflower. It was served whole; twice cooked; boiled first and then baked with cheese. It’s actually quite simple to make and is a wow dish to serve your friends and family as a side dish; (true confession–we usually make one and eat it all ourselves).

I’ve tried to reproduce the dish we had at Birba, but have made my own variation, with more of an Indian spice flavor. You can use other spice combinations that you like, such as Italian seasoning, dill or basil. The main thing is the first steam or boil the vegetable whole, then add seasoning in an olive oil base, grate cheese on top and bake. Looks very elegant and tastes delicious!

Whole Cauliflower with topping of smoked paprika

Cauliflower with smoky paprika

Whole Cauliflower topped with grated cheese

Cauliflower topped with grated cheese

Baked whole cauliflower, topped with melted cheese

Baked cauliflower, ready to be served

 

Twice Cooked Cauliflower (serves 2-3, depending on size of cauliflower) 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Cauliflower (or make two to serve four or more)
  • 1 tsp. Turmeric
  • 1 tsp. Coriander
  • 1/2 tsp. Cumin
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tsp. capers
  • Smoked Paprika
  • 1/3 cup grated aged goat or cow gouda, or Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • Lemon Pepper
  • Salt-free seasoning, pepper; or 1tsp. salt–your choice
  • TO DO: (Preheat oven to 400 degrees before baking) 

1. Wash and core cauliflower, but leave whole.

2. Boil cauliflower with approx. 3 inches of water, in a 4-6 quart oven proof pot, such as Calphalon, or Corning ware, until still firm, 10-12 minutes (test with knife)

3. Whisk all spice ingredients and capers in olive oil, except for Smoked Paprika.

4. Pour olive oil mixture over cauliflower, getting into crevices. (You can do this in advance–marinate the cauliflower by pouring the mixing over it and letting it sit for an hour or so before baking.)

5. Sprinkle paprika, and grate cheese on top.

6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until brown and cheese is melted.

Serve as a side dish; and, as we usually have, a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette–see previous Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: Persimmon and Endive salad; (can be made with pears, orange/tangerine pieces or even strawberries, depending on the season).

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Hearty Lentil and Veggie Soup

Lentil Veggie Soup process

Here’s the recipe as promised:

When the weather is turning colder we like a hearty, healthy soup chock full of fresh vegetables. It’s easy to make and very satisfying as the evenings get cooler and we like to prepare soups and stews for comfort and warmth. And I like to make a sufficient quantity so we have leftovers; (this freezes well too).

If you have veggies from your summer garden such as zucchinis and tomatoes, this is a great way to use them.

It is a thick soup; almost like a stew. You can, of course, thin it with additional broth, but we enjoy the texture and heartiness of it as is.

Recently, however, I made this soup with red lentils from a company called “Preger” and found that the lentils never got totally tender, even with repeated cooking. First time for one hour, then, as I had made a large batch, we had leftovers, and cooked them for 1/2 the next time, then 45 minutes. Still not tender! I did add cumin, and allspice, and the flavor was very good, but still disappointing. Have any of you, dear readers, had this experience?

INGREDIENTS (serves 4-6 or 2-3 with leftovers)

  • 1lb. Dried Lentils, any kind; (rinsed and any bad ones removed- no advance soaking necessary)
  • 1-3 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1 large onion -chopped
  • 2-4 carrots (depending on size), washed, chopped or diced
  • 2-3 zucchinis-chopped
  • 1 large can diced tomatoes in juice ( plus 3-4 fresh diced tomatoes)
  • 2-4 cloves chopped garlic
  • 1 32 oz/quart low sodium chicken stock (or more, depending on how thick you want it)
  • 1/3 -1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1-2 Bay leaves
  • salt free seasoning (or 1 tsp salt if you like), pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 Tbsp.fresh herbs or 1tsp. Dried; thyme, oregano, marjoram (you probably know that dried herbs are much stronger tasting- also best to crumble or crush before adding)
  • Paprika or smoked Paprika
  • (Optional) 2-3 fully cooked, smoked chicken sausages, chopped into 1/2 “rounds

TO DO: in a 6 quart Dutch oven or other large pot:

  1. Sauté onions til soft (medium to medium high heat depending on your stove, on stove top) in 1-2 Tbsp. oil (4-5 minutes); add carrots -sauté another 4-5 minutes; add zucchinis, sauté additional 2-3 minutes. Add another 1Tbsp.oil if needed.
  2. Add garlic; sauté another 2 minutes
  3. Add rinsed lentils, Bay leaves and seasonings to pot
  4. Add broth, tomatoes and wine; stir
  5. Bring to low boil- then reduce heat, cover and simmer 45 minutes-1 hr. Til lentils and carrots are tender
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs
  7. optional: add cooked sliced sausage before final cooking; and grate cheese on top of each bowl

For a delicious meal serve with whole grain toast and a green salad with your favorite vinaigrette, (for a suggestion see ).

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Favorite Meatloaf with Italian Tomato Paste Topping

Meatloaf with Italian tomato paste topping

Meatloaf with Italian tomato paste topping

It’s that time of year when I crave something warm and cozy to eat; ok, ”comfort food.” And my favorite is Meatloaf. Besides being satisfying and delicious right out of the oven, you can make my favorite
sandwiches on good whole grain toast the next day
(or two). With ketchup of course! You can make this Meatloaf with ground turkey or a ground beef/pork mixture depending on your preferences. It’s delicious either way.

I confess we often watch TV while we eat, and meatloaf sandwiches are just great to munch while watching British mysteries! Of course, Rick being the disciplined guy that he is takes a walk every evening after dinner to lower his blood sugar; I join him often; see the Journey for more Type2 diabetes lifestyle tips.

I’ve recently discovered something that makes my favorite Meatloaf topping very special and easy. It’s Italian tomato paste in a tube. You just squeeze out what you want – I like to make squiggles that melt and spread while cooking. Instead of opening a can and only using a small amount and the remainder then usually sits in my fridge and I forget about- yes, it goes bad and I throw out once I notice it!

INGREDIENTS (2-3 servings, plus leftovers)

  • 2-21/2 lbs ground turkey (I prefer thigh only as it’s juicier); or a ground beef/pork mixture
  • 1/2 large or 1 medium onion, chopped fine
  • 1/3 cup Cremini mushrooms, chopped fine (optional)
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 slices whole grain bread
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Italian tomato paste for topping
  • Thyme, and/or salt-free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO:

1. Mix turkey or meat with chopped onions, beaten egg and spices- I use my hands.

2. Sauté mushrooms in butter; after they’re browned (about 6-7 minutes), let Cool

3.  Add mushrooms to mixture. Set aside

4. Mix tomato sauce with bread in a bowl- mash with fork til completely mixed and bread is soft.

5. Combine all in a bowl- best using hands again.

6. Put meatloaf mixture in a loaf pan prepped with an oil spray; Pam or olive oil spray works fine.

7. Squeeze tomato paste on top

9. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes. Turn oven off and let sit inside for another 10-15 minutes.

10. Serve with your favorite whole grains and a great salad – this is a delicious one with goat cheese, persimmons and greens.

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Sautéed Squash with Secret Sauce

A variety of squashes and onion

A variety of squashes and onion ready for sautéing

It’s starting to be fall in Santa Cruz – there’s a chill in the air, although we’re still enjoying the last of Indian summer. (Actually, September/October is our real summer- June, July and August are usually foggy and cool here by the ocean); except this summer which was unusually warm— say global warming anyone?

A mix of squash, onion and ketchup sautéed in pan

Delicious sautéed squash and onion dish

Sautéed squashes and onion with ketchup

German Secret Sauce

Which brings me to this recipe for your remaining summer zucchini/squash harvest – plus what’s still available at farmer’ markets. You can use any type of soft skinned winter squashes just as well. This family favorite is a great side dish for roast chicken, broiled fish or almost anything you serve.

I first enjoyed this recipe when I was visiting my mom’s cousin Erica in LA in the eighties. My mom and her cousins Hans and Erica were born in Germany- escaped here during the war. Erica was an excellent cook. This dish surprised me as I had no idea that the “sauce” was nothing but ketchup, and that ketchup is a mainstay of  German cooking!

This is a very easy to make dish with a rich, satisfying taste. It always comes out delicious. You can use any combination of squash and onions you like.  I make it for company and let them guess what is in the sauce- so far no one has figured it out!  But now you know!

German Squash with Secret Sauce

INGREDIENTS

  • 5-7 squashes- your choice (I like to vary the colors- using yellows and greens)
  • 1 large onion plus 1-2 cippolini onions if you like
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • Salt-free seasoning, pepper; or use salt if you can
  • Fresh chopped herbs- thyme or marjoram are my favorites for this

TO DO: (serves 3-4 or 2 with leftovers)

1. Chop onions into 1/2 “ pieces

2. Chop squashes in approximately 1/2 pieces also- they can be sliced but the way Erica made it they were chopped

3. Heat oil on med high heat in large sauté pan; add onions and sauté until just brown- 5-6 minutes

4. Add squashes to pan, and spices; sauté 3-4 more minutes uncovered- cover for about 5 more minutes til tender

5. Add 1/2 cup ketchup—sauté another 2-3 minutes; taste and add more if you like

That’s it! I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how rich tasting this is! Thanks Erica!

Serve as a side dish; and, as we usually have, a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette–see previous Salad posts for the vinaigrette recipe: https://wordpress.com/post/type2delicious.com/1075

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com