Most of you have seen chayotes at your local supermarket, but didn’t know what to do with them…don’t be afraid to try this lesser-known variety of squash, you might discover a new favorite!
They have a very mild flavor, similar to the taste of a potato, with far fewer calories and carbohydrates. One cup of chayote has only 25 calories and it is good source of Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.
Here are a few reasons to incorporate chayotes to your diet
Ingredients:
2 tbsp of cooking fat
3 diced chayote squash
1 lb of grass-fed ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, sliced
1 tbsp of pressed garlic
1/2 tsp of celery seeds
2 tsp of cumin
2 tsp of oregano
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
Salt to taste
Preparation:
- In a large saucepan saute the onions with the oil until tender.
- Mix in the meat, bell pepper, garlic and spices; cook on medium heat until the meat is fully cooked.
- Add the chayote, cover and cook until tender
- Add cilantro, stir and remove from heat
Let sit for 5 minutes and serve
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Chayote Squash “Picadillo” | Paleo Digest May 30, 2012 at 3:43 pm
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Cassandra June 9, 2012 at 1:20 pm
This will be my first experience with chayote squash. Do you have any tips to peel/prep it for dicing?
Edible Harmony June 10, 2012 at 5:45 pm
I don’t peel mine anymore, but, before i used to cut of the wrinkly ends and peel with a potato peeler
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Bill O'Brien August 27, 2013 at 11:18 am
I stay in Punta Uva during the cold months and have wondered about this squash. I will try it this winter.
Edible Harmony August 30, 2013 at 11:51 pm
In Costa Rica you often find it in soups like “Olla de Carne”, or in picadillos with sweet corn. Pura Vida!
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