Ricotta stuffed squash is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with roasted squash, ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices. The combination of the sweet and savory flavors makes it a favorite among many. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that your family and friends will love.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
SQUASH BLOSSOMS STUFFED WITH RICOTTA
Talk about flower power. As every gardener knows, late summer brings a bumper crop of zucchini and, better yet, of zucchini blossoms-known in Italy as fiori di zucca. Here, the tender yellow-orange blooms are filled with ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mint, then batter-fried. Served alongside an easy tomato sauce (dip as you like), they make an irresistible first course or, with the addition of a green salad, a satisfying main.
Provided by Andrea Albin
Categories Tomato Quick & Easy Dinner Parmesan Ricotta Mint Summer Deep-Fry Gourmet Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 4 (first course) or 2 (main course) servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Make tomato sauce:
- Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil in a 2-quarts heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare squash blossoms:
- Stir together ricotta, yolk, mint, 1/3 cup parmesan, and 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Carefully open each blossom and fill with about 2 rounded teaspoon ricotta filling, gently twisting end of blossom to enclose filling. (You may have filling left over.)
- Whisk together flour, remaining 1/3 cup parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and seltzer in a small bowl.
- Heat 1/2 inch oil to 375°F in a 10-inch heavy skillet. Meanwhile, dip half of blossoms in batter to thinly coat. Fry coated blossoms, turning once, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes total. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain. Coat and fry remaining blossoms. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.) Season with salt. Serve with tomato sauce.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH, RICOTTA & SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE - (4.2/5)
Provided by Jomamma
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Peel, chop and toss in olive oil your butternut squash, then in a hot oven roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to directions. In a bowl add approximately 2 cups of ricotta, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1 fresh smashed garlic clove, 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach ( squeezed and drained), 1 egg, salt, pepper, and your cooled down roasted squash, around 2 cups and grated lemon peel. The lemon peel was key to this dish and added a nice bright flavor. Stuff the shells with the mixture and place in a buttered baking dish. Make a sage brown butter sauce by melting 1 stick of butter in a saute pan until golden brown and bubbly. Add at least 10 sage leaves until slightly crisp. Turn off heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Place your shells in a 400°F oven until heated through around 20-25 minutes. When finished spoon your warm sage sauce all over and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
RICOTTA STUFFED SQUASH
This yummy squash recipe is easy and healthy to make. Serve it warm with pasta or rice.
Provided by Maryanne
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Squash
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Trim off ends of squash; cut squash in half (lengthwise). With a teaspoon scoop out seeds and part of the pulp leaving shells about 1/2 inch thick. Steam squash shells over boiling water until crisp-tender (about 5 minutes). Plunge into cold water, drain well and set aside.
- In a small frying pan over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of the butter. Add onion and garlic and cook until they are done. Squeeze the spinach to remove extra moisture and add to the garlic and onion and cook until thoroughly heated.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, combine eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and spinach mixture. Fill the squash halves with this mixture, about three tablespoons per shell and place squash in a shallow baking dish. Melt the remaining butter and brush over the squash shells
- Bake for 20 minutes. If desired, serve with tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 184.7 calories, Carbohydrate 22.4 g, Cholesterol 58.7 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 8.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 635.3 mg, Sugar 13.3 g
Tips:
- Choose the right squash: For this recipe, butternut squash or acorn squash are the best choices.
- Prick the squash: Before baking, prick the squash all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape and helps the squash cook evenly.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage complement the flavors of the squash and ricotta filling.
- Don't overcook the squash: The squash should be tender but still slightly firm. Overcooking will make it mushy.
- Let the squash cool before stuffing: This will help prevent the ricotta filling from curdling.
- Serve the squash immediately: Ricotta-stuffed squash is best served hot out of the oven.
Conclusion:
Ricotta-stuffed squash is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With its creamy ricotta filling, roasted squash, and savory herbs, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
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