Southern Fried Squash Patties

Squash Patties Recipe with Corn and Spices | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Southern Fried Squash Patties are a classic Southern dish that is both delicious and easy to make. These crispy and flavorful patties are the perfect side dish or appetizer for any meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Southern families, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. The combination of fresh squash, cornmeal, and seasonings creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

4 yellow squash, washed and sliced lengthwise
2 cups yellow cornmeal
3 tbsp granulated sugar
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.25 cup vegetable oil

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine cornmeal, sugar, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece of squash with the mixture.
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat it until hot.
Add the coated squash to the pot and fry until it turns golden brown.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Use a mixture of yellow and green squash for added color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the squash thinly to ensure even cooking.

- Be sure to coat each piece of squash thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture for maximum flavor.

- Use a heavy pot for frying to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Southern Fried Squash Patties as a side dish with fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the squash patties in hot oil ensures a crispy texture and golden brown color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have yellow squash, you can use zucchini or another summer squash variety.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the squash patties ahead of time and fry them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the squash patties on a platter with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Southern Fried Squash Patties pair well with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, and other Southern favorites.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover squash patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southern Fried Squash Patties contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southern Fried Squash Patties contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southern Fried Squash Patties contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southern Fried Squash Patties contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Squash is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains cornmeal, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Southern Fried Squash Patties are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Southern Fried Squash Patties are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy texture and flavorful seasoning, these patties are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Southern Fried Squash Patties. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived down the road. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious Southern cooking, and I had always admired her culinary skills.

As we sat on her porch sipping sweet tea, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she emerged with a plate of golden brown squash patties. The aroma that wafted from the plate was heavenly, and my mouth watered at the sight of them.

"These are my famous Southern Fried Squash Patties," Mrs. Jenkins said proudly. "Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I eagerly nodded my head, and Mrs. Jenkins ushered me into her kitchen. She handed me a pen and a notepad and began to dictate the ingredients and instructions for the recipe. As I scribbled down the list of ingredients, Mrs. Jenkins regaled me with the story of how she learned to make the squash patties.

"It all started when I was just a young girl," Mrs. Jenkins began. "My grandmother used to make these squash patties for us every summer. She learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations."

Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to making the perfect squash patties was to use fresh, tender squash and to season them just right. She showed me how to slice the squash thinly and salt them to draw out the excess moisture. Then, she demonstrated how to mix the squash with eggs, flour, onions, and spices to create a thick batter.

As I watched Mrs. Jenkins work her magic in the kitchen, I realized that cooking was more than just following a recipe—it was a way of connecting with the past and preserving tradition. I could see the love and care that went into every step of the process, from preparing the ingredients to frying the patties to a perfect golden brown.

After the squash patties were fried to perfection, Mrs. Jenkins and I sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy our creation. The patties were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a savory flavor that melted in my mouth. I savored every bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn this treasured family recipe.

From that day on, I made Southern Fried Squash Patties a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with my own family and friends, passing down the tradition that Mrs. Jenkins had shared with me. Each time I made the patties, I felt a connection to the past and a sense of pride in carrying on a culinary legacy.

Years passed, and I continued to refine my technique for making Southern Fried Squash Patties. I experimented with different seasonings and variations, always striving to capture the essence of that first batch I had made with Mrs. Jenkins. No matter how many times I made them, the patties never failed to bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

As I grew older, I realized that cooking was more than just a way to nourish the body—it was a way to nourish the soul. The act of creating something with my own hands, using time-honored techniques and recipes passed down through generations, brought me a sense of fulfillment and contentment that I could find nowhere else.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when Mrs. Jenkins taught me how to make Southern Fried Squash Patties, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me. The gift of a recipe, yes, but also the gift of tradition, of connection, of love. And I know that as long as I have that recipe in my heart, I will always have a piece of Mrs. Jenkins with me, guiding me and inspiring me to keep the flame of Southern cooking alive.