Chayote Squash Facts and Low-Fat Recipe

What is chayote? Chayote squash is a fruit, but in the same way that squash and cucumber are fruit, it’ll never win a fruit contest. Chayote, aka choko or mirliton, is completely edible cooked or raw, from the skin to the flesh to the seed in the center. Chayote squash has a neutral flavor, so this “fruit” needs a lot of seasoning. It’s an ideal ingredient for it’s texture more than it’s flavor, like jicama and young green jackfruit. Chayote squash is an easy ingredient to work with and a healthy dining choice, so definitely give it a try if you find it in your local market.

Chayote Fun Facts

• “Fun” might be too strong a word.
• Chayote is an excellent source of dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• It is a member of the “gourd family” along with pumpkin, squash, and cucumber.
• Known as chayote, sayote, mirliton, choko, chocho, vegetable pear, and is eaten all around the world.
• When buying, choose chayote that are smooth and firm. Pick medium sized chayote. Older, larger fruit will sprout sooner.
• Peeling chayote exposes you to the juice, which can feel “weird” on your skin, but you don’t have to peel it; the skin, inner seed, and flesh are all edible.

What you need to Cook a Spicy Chayote Recipe

1 CHAYOTE thinly sliced
1 ONION chopped
2-3 GARLIC cloves
1 tsp CUMIN SEEDS
HOT PEPPER as desired
1-2 Tbsp CURRY SEASONING
SALT to taste
OIL for sauteing

How Cook Chayote Squash in a Skillet

Slice the chayote thinly. Chayote has a dense apple like texture that holds up very well under heat, so it takes a bit to soften up when cooked, so slice very thinly
if you like your chayote less crispy crunchy.
Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat and add cumin seeds.
Add onion and garlic.
Add fresh hot pepper if desired.
Saute for several minutes.
Add seasoning and cook about 2 minutes more.
Add sliced chayote, mix well, and saute for a minute.
Add a small amount of water, cover, and simmer to desired tenderness. Add more water as needed, but never too much.

That’s it!
Give Chayote squash a try and let me know what you think!

Have you ever tried Rutabaga? It’s another interesting ingredient you might want to give a try.
And for more tasty vegetarian dishes, explore my Vegetarian Recipe Playlist 

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–Chef Buck