Pilaf With Summer Squash Recipes

WILD RICE AND SQUASH PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute the mushrooms, squash, onions and green pepper in oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; saute 1 minute longer., Stir in the rice, broth, soy sauce and savory. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 13-15 minutes or until squash is tender. Stir in almonds.

SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS, SUMMER SQUASH, AND QUINOA PILAF

Steps:

• 1. Bring the water to boil in a teakettle or small pot. 2. Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned. 3. Add the garlic, onions, squash, and carrots to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally for 4 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften and the ingredients become fragrant. Stir in the quinoa, thyme, curry powder, salt, rosemary, and cayenne. 4. Add the boiling water, and bring the ingredients to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer covered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Adjust the seasonings, if desired. 5. Serve immediately. FYI . . . The delicious woodsy-flavored shiitake mushroom has been considered potent medicine by Asian herbologists for thousands of years. In addition to its anti-viral properties, the shiitake is known for strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of some cancers, and lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.

PILAF WITH SUMMER SQUASH

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed pot heat the olive oil and butter on medium to medium-high heat.
• Add the rice, bulgar, onions, squash, and seasonings. Keep stirring as the rice loses the translucency that it got from the oil and goes white again. Be VERY careful not to burn it because scorched grain reeks and tastes horrible.
• Once most of the rice is white add the chicken stock.
• Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat.
• Simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring several times.
• Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish absorbing the liquid.
• Variations can be made by substituting orzo or broken spaghetti for the bulgar, beef stock for the chicken stock, or carrots, peas, spinach, or other vegetables for the shredded squash.