Cooking Outdoors - Summer Squash Tots
Kitchen Icons
August is the month of Summer Squash and Kitchen Icons was the set for the NBC-TV Harvest of the Month segment. The featured recipe was “Summer Squash Tots” and this tasty treat is a healthier twist on tater tots.
Kitchen Icons Outdoor Kitchen Set featuring Hestan 12 Foot Outdoor Living Suite.
Hestan Culinary Nanobond 11 inch skillet was utilized and provided for this segment.
Summer Squash Tots
INGREDIENTS
3 medium yellow summer squash or zucchini, shredded
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese or other variety - finely grated
2 eggs
1 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp. fine minced onion
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. dried parsley or 2 T fresh parsley
3 Tbsp. Olive oil and non-stick spray
METHOD:
OPTIONS: For Cooktop use 11 in skillet or to bake, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray/oil a standard size cookie sheet with nonstick spray.
Place grated zucchini (can use food processor) in a bowl, add ½ teaspoon salt and mix well. t Put the grated squash in a colander (or use a cheesecloth). Let sit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
In a mixing bowl add breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, cornstarch, onion, garlic, pepper and parsley.
Rinse the grated squash to remove salt and use your hands to squeeze all the extra liquid from the grated squash in the colander. You should have about 1 cup of liquid for every pound of squash you use. Discard the liquid.
Using a large spatula, mix the ingredients together until combined.
Using a tablespoon for uniform measurement, scoop zucchini and form into tots. For pan frying, flatten the tots.
If baking, place onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray tops with oil.
Place into the oven and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 18-22 minutes.
For cooktop, heat an 11 in. skillet to medium hot. Spray with nonstick spray and add 3 Tbsp. Olive oil. Pan-fry tots on each side until brown on each side.
Serve immediately alongside your favorite dip (ketchup, marinara or ranch).
