Cajun Smothered Squash Food

SMOTHERED YELLOW SQUASH WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot, But not smoking, then add half of the squash and saute, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer browned squash to a bowl, then heat remaining olive oil and saute remaining squash in the same manner.
• Return squash from bowl to skillet, add garlic and saute, stirring occasionally, 1 minute.
• Add water, salt, and pepper and simmer briskly, covered, until squash is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 6 to 7 minutes.
• Stir in basil and serve.

SMOTHERED CAJUN-SPICED SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Combine 1 Tbs. oil and garlic in small bowl. Brush garlic-oil mixture over butternut squash pieces, and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle each squash piece with 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until squash pieces are tender enough to easily pierce with fork.
• Meanwhile, heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery, and cook 20 to 25 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally.
• Stir flour into onion mixture, and cook 1 minute, or until flour begins to brown, stirring constantly. Stir in vinegar, remaining 2 Tbs. Cajun seasoning, and 6 cups water. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally. You can leave as is or puree to make a smooth gravy.
• To serve:.
• Place 2 squash pieces on plate. Smother with 1 cup onion mixture.

CAJUN SMOTHERED SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine 1 Tbsp oil and garlic in small bowl. Brush garlic-oil mixture over butternut squash pieces, and place on baking sheet.
• Sprinkle each squash piece with 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until squash pieces are tender enough to easily pierce with fork.
• Meanwhile, heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery, and cook 20 to 25 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally.
• Stir flour into onion mixture, and cook 1 minute, or until flour begins to brown, stirring constantly. Stir in vinegar, remaining 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 6 cups water. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
• When ready to serve, place 2 squash pieces on plate. "Smother" with 1 cup onion mixture.

CAJUN-SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Season pork chops with Cajun seasoning and coat completely with flour, reserving any leftover flour.
• Heat oil in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and brown, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate. Add sliced onions to the pan drippings and cook for 1 minute.
• Dust onions with leftover flour and continue to cook until brown, another 4 to 5 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil, stirring until incorporated. Return pork chops to the skillet; cover, reduce heat, and simmer until gravy is thick and pork chops are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.