Farmers markets are a great place to get the freshest produce New Hampshire has to offer. There are more than 40 in the state and they are all fun places to meet local growers and get some great food. To find one near you, I suggest checking out the list of farmers markets in the state published by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food.
When you go to a farmers market in July, you will likely find fresh summer squash for sale. There are actually a few varieties commonly found in New Hampshire markets. They include zucchini, yellow squash and patty pan squash. They all have a really mild flavor and texture and can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
Recipe: Summer Squash Italian Style
Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 large zucchini, thinly sliced (you can also use summer squash or patty pan squash)
1 Tablespoon water
pepper (optional, to taste)
1 teaspoon sweet basil, fresh
6 Tablespoons Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated
Directions
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Using a large, oven-proof frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil to medium high.
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Wash and thinly slice zucchini or other type of squash you are using. Arrange squash in pan, add water and season lightly with pepper and basil.
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Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until tender.
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Sprinkle with cheese. Place under a preheated broiler and broil until cheese melts and browns slightly. (Note: if your frying pan is not oven safe, including the handle, do not place under broiler. Instead, allow cheese to melt in the frying pan on the stove.)
Tip: Do you have other vegetables you purchased from the farmers market that you need to use up, like tomatoes, green peppers, green beans, eggplant, onions or other in-season vegetables? Cut them up and add them to the frying pan when you add the squash.
Selecting Summer Squash and Making the Recipe
Part of my internship with UNH Cooperative Extension involves creating educational videos on how to pick the freshest produce at farmers markets and how to make delicious dishes with them. I had a blast combining my love of cooking and education to help people eat healthier. Below is my video on summer squash. Enjoy!
