Plain Squash
A simple, hearty dish featuring tender boiled squash seasoned with onion, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar, perfect for comforting family meals or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the squash until tender.
- Drain well.
- Add the sugar, salt, pepper, and chopped onion to the squash.
- Cook on low heat until the onion is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to the squash mixture. If you prefer a sweeter dish, consider substituting the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Use yellow squash or zucchini if you can’t find the typical varieties, as they work equally well. For an extra layer of taste, sauté the onion in olive oil before adding it to the squash.
Serving Suggestions
This plain squash dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a simple and healthy meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, such as Olene'S Original Carrot Salad, for a colorful plate. It also makes for a great side at barbecues or family gatherings. Consider drizzling some French Dressing Recipe over the top for added zing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a couple of minutes until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plain Squash contains roughly 147 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1764mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen squash, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking. Frozen squash may release more water, so adjust the cooking time to ensure the onion becomes tender without overcooking the squash.
What type of squash is best for this recipe?
Yellow squash or zucchini are the most common choices for this recipe. They both have a mild flavor and tender texture when cooked. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like acorn squash or pattypan squash for different tastes.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can enhance the recipe by adding bell peppers, tomatoes, or even spinach. Just ensure that any added vegetables are chopped evenly and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender and well combined.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).