Summer Squash with Thyme
August 5, 2022
Why make this summer squash recipe?
Besides tasting good, there are six reasons why this recipe may become your “go to” recipe for summer squash:
#1: It’s fast
As someone who is always looking for quick and healthy dishes that taste good, I love this recipe. From start to finish (opening the refrigerator door to putting it on the plate) it takes less than 15 minutes total time and about 7 minutes active time. That allows me time to get other parts of the meal put together. Healthier eating doesn’t have to take long!
#2: The ingredients are probably already in your kitchen
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to cook a meal or put together your grocery shopping list and realize that you need some ingredients that are not in your kitchen or are hard to find. Not so with this recipe!
#3: This recipe is garlic free
Don’t get me wrong – I love garlic! Yet, many of the people who see me for help with digestive issues find that garlic causes some discomfort so as a registered dietitian nutritionist I’m always looking for recipes that maximize flavor without garlic. This recipe does!
#4: It uses summer squash…but also works with zucchini
If you’re a gardener like I am, or have neighbors who are, you know that it’s a rare summer when you’re not looking for recipes to use the sudden overabundance of summer squash. Yes, I take some off to the local food pantry and share with friends, but we still eat a lot of summer squash most summers!
Now by mid-winter, I’m looking for something that reminds me of summer, and thankfully summer squash or zucchini are non-starch vegetables that are often available often in the grocery stores.
I do try to eat seasonally much of the time, but in the deep winter when the winds are blowing, and the temperature is 15 degrees and heading downward, sometimes I need a reminder that warmer weather will come!
#5: It uses a non-starchy vegetable!
For good health and to lose weight (or avoid gaining weight) giving non-starchy vegetables a prominent place on your plate is key.
“How do I make them taste good?” is one of the questions I hear most from people who see me for help addressing gut health issues such as IBS, losing weight, or eating healthier to stay well.
I’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again: It is possible to be healthier and not sacrifice flavor or enjoyment when you eat! I became a registered dietitian because I love food and helping people discover ways to enjoy food that makes their bodies happy and healthy.
#6: Cook once, eat many times…
If you make enough of this dish to have leftovers, you’ll have something good for your lunch or supper. Here are some ideas:
- Do a basic reheat and eat. A quick reheat in the microwave not only warms it up but gives you a nice aroma with your meal.
- Add some chickpeas or other beans to the leftovers and reheat in the microwave or sautee them.
- Doing breakfast for dinner? Add the leftovers to your frittata, omelet, or serve on the side. Thyme goes well with eggs!
- Take the chilled leftovers and sprinkle with white balsamic vinegar for a “salad” that needs no additional work. (Not all salads need to have “traditional” ingredients such as lettuce or cucumbers!)
Recipe forSummer Squash with Thyme
by Lisa Garcia, registered dietitian nutritionist
A few simple ingredients and a few minutes turn summer squash into a side dish that pairs well with just about any protein source including eggs, chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and even beans and tofu!
Ingredients
1 medium summer squash or zucchini
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
Chop summer squash into 1/2″ slices.
Add olive oil to pan and heat on medium heat.
Add summer squash and cook ~3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add thyme and stir to distribute.
Add salt to draw out juices, stir, and cook until squash texture is as you desire.
Remove from heat and serve.
Nutrition facts:
Servings: 2
Calories: 56
Carbohydrate: 4 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Sodium: 148 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Looking for other ways to eat healthier, lose weight or have a healthier gut?
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Having personally struggled with weight and gut health issues, I understand how easy it is to think that food is the enemy especially with the changes our bodies undergo as we age. It doesn’t have to be that way!
I love using my extensive education and coach approach to help people realize it is possible to feel better and be healthier while still enjoying their life and food.
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