Ingredients
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and you’ll likely already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
If you’re missing any of these, don’t fret. You can substitute zucchini for yellow squash, or use regular paprika if smoked isn’t on hand. The Parmesan is optional but adds a delightful nuttiness that echoes the flavors my mom knew how to coax out of the simplest ingredients.
Instructions
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the simple steps that will fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wash and dry the squash, then slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they roast evenly and develop those irresistible crispy edges.
- In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Overlapping will lead to steaming rather than roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The squash should be tender and slightly browned on the edges.
- If using, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the squash during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a melty finish.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
I often find myself reminiscing about those afternoons in my dad’s kitchen, the air filled with laughter and the promise of something delicious. This dish brings a bit of that nostalgia back to my own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: roasted thinly sliced squash, recipe, cooking, food
