Hungarian Squash Pottage (Tökfőzelék)
Pottage, the perfect side dish
Pottage, vegetable dish, vegetable stew… and who knows what else this dish was called. In Hungary it is called “főzelék” and there it is prepared from almost all kinds of vegetables. Usually chopped or grated vegetable is cooked and at the end of the cooking process it is thickened with roux or sour cream and flour mixture. It is delicious both hot and cold. It can also be used as a stand-alone dish, but is also excellent as a side dish to a delicious meatloaf, meatballs or a meaty stew.
A few words about pumpkins
Pumpkins are also known as the plant with a thousand faces, as they are found in numerous varieties throughout the world. One of the most popular varieties is squash, which is one of the most important ingredients of Hungarian cuisine. Due to its special taste and high water content, it is preferred to be served on the plate during the summer months. Due to its low carbohydrate content, it is also good for dieters and those who want to lose weight.
Squash is an ancient foods
Pumpkins were a popular food in Central America more than ten thousand years ago, according to scientific evidence. It arrived in Europe via shipping, and it was largely due to the Spanish that it spread widely, including in our country. For a long time, pumpkin, along with beans and corn, was considered one of the essential sources of nutrients, and it still is. However, the pumpkin family includes many other well-known foods. Cucumber, zucchini, cantaloupe, and even watermelon are examples.
What is the nutritional value of squash?
Squash are distinguished by their low fat and carbohydrate content, allowing them to be consumed even while on a diet, and they are quick to prepare. It has only 31 calories per 100 grams, but it also contains very little fat and carbohydrates (0.6 and 5.4 grams, respectively).
Physiological effects of squash
Squash is high in vitamins A and E, which are beneficial to the health of our eyes and skin. It is also high in vitamin K, which helps to strengthen our hearts. It has a lower sugar content than pumpkin, but it also has a lower protein content, so people who exercise should pay attention to supplementing their meals with other foods. The chicken breast is an excellent choice because, when stewed, it complements the pumpkin stew, resulting in a truly dietary, nutrient-rich meal.
Additional benefits
It is also important to note that squash is high in fiber and have a high organic salt content, which can greatly aid digestion. It increases the activity of the pancreas and liver. In terms of minerals, it is high in selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc.
Make squash pottage!
So definitely give this pottage recipe a try! This dish is popular in Hungary during the summer months, but the raw material is now available almost all year. Follow our recipe description and watch our video on how to make the dish. Good luck with your cooking!
Ingredients of squash pottage:
- 2 kg of yellow (summer) squash
- 1 onion
- 2 tbsp of finely chopped dill
- 1/2 tsp of sweet paprika powder
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 tbsp of plain flour
- salt, sugar, vinegar
Steps:
- Peel and cut the squash and remove all seeds. Coarsely grate.
- Sauté the finely chopped onion in hot oil for 4-5 minutes. Add the paprika, stir and immediately pour a little water.
- Add the grated squash. Season with salt, sugar and finely chopped or dried dill. Sauté for a few minutes, then cover with water and cook until the pumpkin is tender (about 30-35 minutes).
- Whisk the sour cream well with the flour and add to the pottage. Add more dill and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and season with a little vinegar and salt to taste. Enjoy your meal!
Watch our video about this recipe: