Squash pickle, an accompaniment dish prepared with yellow/butternut squash that is harvested young while still soft, is one among many pickles that are popular in America. Often, other vegetables such as carrots and onions too are added to the pickle. Garlic and mustard seeds enhance the flavor of the pickle. Very popular in the United States, this pickle is served with most meals and it is generally eaten with bread. Some people even enjoy eating the pickle as it is.
Origin of Pickled Butternut Squash
Pickles have been part of the culinary world for hundreds of years. Since, there was no way to keep foods from spoiling in the earlier days, especially when there was no refrigerator, people found different ways to preserve foods and one such method was by pickling. As brine water is used for pickling, the foods such as squash, cucumbers and other vegetables remain unspoilt for long periods because of the salt. This way, the vegetables are preserved and also taste delicious. They make wonderful accompaniments to various main dishes such as meat
Pickled Squash – Ingredients & Preparation Overview
The main ingredients that go into squash pickle are butternut squash(also known as yellow squash), deseeded green chilies, black onion seeds, basil, carrots, onions and green pepper. Lime juice adds a desirable zing to the pickle. The traditional recipe also includes celery and mustard seeds. All these ingredients are pickled in brine; while some use cider vinegar, some people like garlic pods in their pickle, hence these can be added along with other vegetables. It is advisable to use non-iodized salt for better taste and longevity of the pickle.
Culinary Uses of Pickled Squash
It is a well known fact that squash pickle can be eaten as is; however, it serves as an excellent accompaniment to many other dishes such as –
Pan-fried Duck Breast with Pickled Squash & Peach Puree – This dish tastes wonderful when served with pickled squash and peach puree. The pickle is prepared with butternut squash, green chilies, onion seeds, ground fenugreek and turmeric. Though not used in the original pickle, fresh coriander and mint leaves are also added to the pickle that is served with the fried duck.
Corn and Pickled Squash Pudding – This is a pleasantly tangy flavored pickled squash dish.
Health Benefits of Pickled Squash
Squash pickle is known to have wonderful digestive properties.