Lemon Mint Squash Food

MARINATED SUMMER SQUASH WITH HAZELNUTS AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F. Toss squash and 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt in a colander; set over a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
• Toss hazelnuts and 1 Tbsp. oil on a rimmed baking sheet and roast, shaking occasionally, until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Let cool; crush into large pieces with a measuring cup or glass.
• Smack 3 mint sprigs against your cutting board a few times to release their flavor; mix in a large bowl with garlic, vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp. oil; set dressing aside.
• Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high until shimmering. Arrange squash cut side down in skillet, breaking into smaller pieces if needed in order to fit in a single layer, and cook, moving around in pan to ensure even browning, until golden brown on cut side, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover (if you don't have a lid use a baking sheet), and continue to cook until very tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly.
• Cut squash into 2" pieces and toss in reserved dressing to coat; season with kosher salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature, tossing occasionally, 15 minutes. Pluck out mint sprigs; discard.
• Meanwhile, zest lemon half into a small bowl, mix in ricotta and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil; season with kosher salt. Hang on to that lemon.
• Spread lemon ricotta over platter. Top with squash and their juices. Squeeze reserved lemon over. Pull leaves from remaining mint sprigs (you want about 1/4 cup). Scatter mint and hazelnuts over squash. Drizzle generously with oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with toast.

LEMON-MINT SQUASH

Steps:

• Heat grill. In a bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients, 1 1/2 tbs lemon juice and 1/2 tsp lemon zest.
• Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and toss gently to coat.
• Grill 8 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, turning once.

SLOW-COOKED SUMMER SQUASH WITH LEMON AND THYME

Steps:

• Place a rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350°F. Toss summer squash, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, oil, and salt in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish to combine.
• Turn garlic cut side down, then roast vegetables, tossing 2 or 3 times, until golden brown, very tender, and edges and cut sides are crisp, 1 hour and 40 minutes-1 hour and 50 minutes. Let cool slightly, then add lemon juice and toss to coat.

LEMON & FRESH MINT MARINADE

Steps:

• Blend all ingredients in blender until cloves of garlic are small. Flecks of green mint leaves are perfect.
• Pour over your favortie veggies and let set for up to 3 hours.
• Grill!

REFRESHING SUMMER SQUASH SALAD

Steps:

• Toss yellow squash and zucchini with salt in a large bowl.
• Whisk mint, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper in a small bowl; pour over squash mixture. Toss to coat.
• Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat; cook and stir prosciutto in the hot skillet until crisp, about 2 minutes.
• Divide squash salad over 4 plates. Evenly sprinkle prosciutto and feta cheese over salads.