Sweet and Sour Squash with Mint
Region: Italy, Sicily
Category: Vegetables
Season: Winter
Difficulty: Easy and Quick

This Sicilian style winter squash preparation is an easy dish to whip up. It's delicious flavored with mint and garlic and the sweet and sour typical of Sicily always achieved with sugar and vinegar. This dish can be served at room temperature.

[photo: Clifford A. Wright]

Yield: Makes 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound winter squash, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup loosely-packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

1. In a measuring cup, dissolve the sugar into the wine vinegar.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then cook the squash and garlic until soft but firm, about 5 minutes. Turn carefully using a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add the wine vinegar and sugar and reduce until it is almost gone. Sprinkle the mint over the squash, cook for 1 more minute and serve.

Posted: 01/03/2007