Dive into the vibrant flavors of the South with our Smothered Cajun Spiced Squash! This delightful dish combines tender yellow squash with the bold, zesty essence of Cajun seasoning, creating a mouthwatering experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—but also packs a punch of flavor that will leave your guests begging for seconds. Ready to spice up your dinner table? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and slice the yellow squash into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds, ensuring even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing them until they become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully add sliced squash to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure maximum contact with the pan.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the squash and vegetables, ensuring all pieces are well-coated with the spice blend.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, gently stirring occasionally, allowing the squash to become tender and slightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt as needed to enhance the Cajun flavors.
- Remove from heat when squash is fork-tender and has developed a golden-brown color around the edges.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: Opt for fresh, firm yellow squash for the best texture and flavor. Look for squash that feels heavy for its size and has a vibrant yellow color.
- Uniform Slicing: Slice your squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking. This helps each piece cook at the same rate, resulting in perfectly tender squash.
- Sautéing Technique: When adding the onions and bell peppers to the skillet, don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows the vegetables to sauté properly and develop a nice caramelization.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a bit more heat, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the spice level.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions not only add a pop of color but also enhance the dish’s flavor profile. Sprinkle them on just before serving for the best effect.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Smothered Cajun Spiced Squash with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 65kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
