| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 7g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 2g | 0.5g |
In my kitchen, where the flavors of the golden coast meet the rich spices of India, a happy marriage of cultures occurs every day. One of such beautiful unions is the vibrant Vegetable Calabazas Hash Browns, an innovative twist to the traditional American breakfast dish. This delightful recipe is not just packed with robust flavors, but also with nutritional benefits, earning a star place at our family brunches.
The secret to the flavors
When you bite into these Hash Browns, you savour the melding of sweet, savory, and a bit spicy tones on your palate. The secret lies in a humble blend of apple and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon — ones I borrowed from the generous spice pantry of my Gujarati roots. Another dash of pepper gives a little heat that is so crucial in tying all the flavors together.
It’s interesting how these Hash Browns just seem to turn out perfectly every time, thanks to the calabazas or yellow squash. While these have a wonderful taste of their own, they are also great at absorbing other flavors, enhancing the character of this dish tremendously.
A nod to health
While enjoying the taste of a dish is paramount, as a mother of two, I also value the health quotient it brings. This is where squash becomes the superhero of the dish. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium, with a high quantity of water that brings a delectable juiciness to the Calabazas Hash Browns while keeping the calorie count surprisingly low. Plus the apple’s fiber ensures a great satiety factor, making these hash browns not just a delicious, but also a wholesome choice.
It’s also important to note that olive oil used in cooking aids in absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins from the squash and spices, adding to the feel-good factor of this dish.
The host of the table
While the Vegetable Calabazas Hash Browns are perfect as a standalone dish, their superb versatility allows them to accompany a host of different meals. The dish pairs exceptionally well with a simple fried egg & toast set up or can be used as a base for a veggie-filled breakfast skillet. For a fully Indian-American brunch, pairing it with a sweet & spicy tomato chutney and some freshly baked naan might hit the right spot!
So whether it’s a leisurely brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, these Vegetable Calabazas Hash Browns are here to make sure your meal is full of flavor, health and a whole lot of love from my Californian kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large calabazas or yellow squash, about 2 lb.
- 1 large apple
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Method
Step One
Start by washing your calabazas or yellow squash thoroughly. Either grate them or put them through a food processor until they are shredded, similar to the consistency of hash browns. Set them aside in a colander to drain, to remove any excess moisture.
Step Two
Peel and core the apple, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Next, chop the onion into small pieces as well. Both should be diced finely. Peel and mince the garlic.
Step Three
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step Four
Add the shredded calabazas or yellow squash to the skillet. Add the apple pieces, as well. Stir everything together, ensuring all of the ingredients are mixed well.
Step Five
Add the salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the skillet. Stir well to distribute the spices among the ingredients. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the calabazas and apple are tender and slightly browned.
Step Six
Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Cook for an additional few minutes if the hash browns are not as crispy as you would like them. Serve your Calabazas Hash Browns warm, enjoy as a hearty breakfast or a flavorful side dish.
