If you’re accustomed to cooking with zucchini, you will already know how to cook scallopini squash, also known as a patty pans. The soft but firm texture is akin to zucchini and they share the same mild and slightly sweet flavour. The main difference is in their form. Scallopini squash comes in hues from creamy white to pale green and yellow, and they present a distinct, slightly flattened round shape with scalloped edges.
Scallopini squash, similar to zucchini, are great at absorbing flavors. This makes them super versatile – you can sauté them, grill them, stew them, or even toss them raw into salads.
How to cook Scallopini Squash
Given the versatility of scallopini squash, here are some recipe ideas where it can seamlessly substitute for zucchini:
- Sautéed and stewed – Caponata Antipasto
- Raw – Zucchini and Pea Salad
- Grilled – Char Grilled Zucchini Ribbons, Cashew Cheese and Pine Nuts and Char- Grilled Scallopini Carpaccio with Lemon and Caper Dressing
Or my favourite
Recipes for Stuffed Scallopini
Though similar to zucchini in many ways, the scallopini’s unique shape lends itself exceptionally well to being stuffed. Stuffing vegetables is also a great way to re-invent leftovers and make a new dish that’s appealing. Some of these dishes even lend themselves to freezing for eating later – so make bigger batches and freeze them into portions for severing later – the recipes below with “❄” symbol are freezer-friendly.
- Lentil and Walnut Kofte – a very savoury filling with a Middle Eastern twist ❄
- Vegan Haggis – this recipe is hearty, lightly spiced, savoury and nut-free ❄
- Green Pea Risotto – or any left over risotto is perfect filling for stuffing vegetables ❄
- Dolmades with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pine nuts – the dolmade filling has Mediterranean flavours perfect for scallopini
- Millet Tabbouleh – this version of tabbouleh is full of herbs and gluten-free
- Easy Cheesy Dairy Free-Sauce – add herbs, rice or grains and you have a melty filling, top with panko for a crispy cheesy crust. Freeze in ice cube trays for easy stuffing from frozen ❄
