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Summer Squash with Toasted Garlic and Lime Recipe

Summer Squash with Toasted Garlic and Lime

Thinly sliced summer squash is sautéed in garlic-scented olive oil, then finished with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and crisp toasted garlic. This colorful side dish is ready in about 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1½ lb Summer squash, such as zucchini and yellow squash, cut into thin slices
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Freshly ground black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute, watching closely until it turns lightly golden and toasted.
  2. Remove the toasted garlic from the skillet with a slotted spoon and reserve it on a plate or paper towel. Leave the garlic-scented oil in the pan for cooking the squash.
  3. Add the sliced summer squash to the flavored oil and season with the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and toss the cooked squash with the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and serve immediately, scattering the reserved toasted garlic over the top.

Notes

Use a wide skillet and avoid crowding it so the squash browns instead of steaming. Remove the garlic as soon as it turns pale golden because residual heat will continue browning it. Serve immediately for the best contrast between tender squash and crisp garlic.