PATTY PANS?

[bazzysbarn]

My OH has grown some patty pans for the first time this year. He wants to know when they are ready for picking and what do you do with them :)

[bazzysbarn]

[lottie lou]

I generally pick them when they are small ie: about 2 inch across.  i steam them and eat them with butter, salt and pepper.

[bazzysbarn]

Thank you :) Think we have some about that size so might try one tomorrow(or is it today). I wish he wouldnt grow different stuff i just like the basics, spuds, beans, peas etc. Hes also growing aubergines even though i dont like them!!

[chriscross1966]

Thank you :) Think we have some about that size so might try one tomorrow(or is it today). I wish he wouldnt grow different stuff i just like the basics, spuds, beans, peas etc. Hes also growing aubergines even though i dont like them!!

But how do you know if there's something good out there until you try it?.... Eat something that scares you every day.....

[antipodes]

Definitely eat them small and treat as courgettes. They have a similar flavour - I love them. Pick them when they will still fit in your hand  ;)

[Jeannine]

If I have a glut I pick them before they pollinate.The flower is still on and the baby squash is there,pick them about1 inch below the embryo fruit  , flower, stem and all. Dip in Tempura batter and deep  fry the lot.


Left to mature they will get quite big 6 or 7 inches, you can then use them as marrows..BUT.. better picked small as they grow more if picked and the flavour is better.

I served medium /large ones as a complete meal by  cutting the stalk end off and hollowing it out a bit, filling with a cooked mix of meat, rice,veggies to suit your taste, baked till squash was soft but still holding up like a serving bowl.I put cheeses on the top the last few minutes and popped them under the grill.

Their shape made a an attractive bowl and if you have the yellow ones they look good with a tomato based meat mixture in. With a chunk of French Bread and a side salad and dessert they make a lovely posh dinner for guests.
XX Jeannine

[pigeonseed]

When can I come round for dinner at your house?

[bazzysbarn]

Didnt get to try one of these tonight so guess whats for dinner tomorrow! Going to try them stuffed with mince and topped with cheese and garlic bread. :D

[longalot]

i usually find them tasteless unless mixed with other item after they are roasted.
they ready when they are as big at the average person's hand.

[antipodes]

i usually find them tasteless unless mixed with other item after they are roasted.
they ready when they are as big at the average person's hand.

That is why in Australia we eat them very small, and we call them just squash (you can imagine how confusing that is. I pick them when they are very tender and no more than 6 or 7 cm across. Like that they have a mild courgette flavour and tender skin.

[chriscross1966]

THe only patty-pan like one I've got this year is Yugoslave White FInger... IIRC it used to be called things like Dead Man's Hand and Crown of Bone...... before seedsmen had marketing departments I suppose.... I wan t it to get big enough to actually look like it's supposed too but I reckon that will be when it's too big..... ho hum .... ad it to a courgette surprise then....

[bazzysbarn]

Had one of these last night. Wasnt that keen on it. Did it with mince and topped with cheese but found it a bit bland!

[earlypea]

Bazzysbarn - I'm with you!  I love growing pattypans but actually don't like them young.  I know that's the proper way to eat them, but I found them much nicer larger and cooked like marrow - they taste denser, sweeter and a bit nuttier in my opinion. 

[Duke Ellington]

I agree with you earlypea. A large patty pan is nicer than a marrow.

Duke :)

[bazzysbarn]

Have now found out that we like them chopped up and  fried with red onions and courgettes! :D