Chayote, a pear-shaped gem from the warm climes of Mexico and Central America, is more than just a curious-looking member of the gourd family. As a summer seasonal vegetable, its mild flavor and satisfying crunch offer a refreshing twist to culinary creations. What sets chayote apart? Its adaptability to diverse diets, from alkaline to low-carb, making it an intriguing choice for food explorers. This versatile squash can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or even pickled, enriching dishes across cultures. For those looking to invigorate their palate or simply try something new, chayote is a delightful invitation to taste and creativity. Let's dive into some recipes that showcase this unique ingredient!

A sustainable Summer option

Chayote is a relatively sustainable crop to grow. It is a tropical crop that does not require a lot of water or pesticides to grow. Chayote can also be grown in a variety of soil types, making it a good option for farmers who are trying to reduce their environmental impact.

Chayote Handling

1. Wash: Rinse under cold water.
2. Peel (Optional): Use a vegetable peeler or knife. For the sticky residue, simply rinse off.
3. Cut: Slice in half lengthwise.
4. Remove Seed (Optional): The seed is edible but can be scooped out if desired.
5. Chop or Slice: Cut into desired shapes and sizes.
6. Use: Enjoy raw or cook as required.

The Recipes

1, Rotisserie Chicken and Chayote in Adobo Sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.

2. Cook Chayote: Add the diced chayote to the pan, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to soften.

3. Add Chicken and Adobo Sauce: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, followed by the adobo sauce. Mix well, ensuring the chicken and chayote are coated with the sauce.

4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chayote is tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn't stick to the pan.

5. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve: Serve the dish over steamed rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

7. Optional Additions: For an extra kick, you can add diced jalapenos or other chilies. A splash of lime juice right before serving can add a refreshing touch.

2, Japanese Curry with Chayote and Rotisserie Chicken

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the chayote, carrots, onion, and potatoes. Set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced chayote, carrots, and potatoes to the pan, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Broth: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, followed by the chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
5. Add Curry Cubes: Break the Japanese curry cubes into pieces and add them to the pot, stirring well to dissolve.
6. Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the curry does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Serve the curry over steamed rice, garnished with herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.

3, Rotisserie Chicken and Chayote Casserole

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the chayote, and any other vegetables you wish to include (e.g., carrots, onions). Set aside.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chicken, chayote, soup, half of the cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Add Toppings: Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread for a complete meal.

4. Rotisserie Chicken and Chayote Tacos

Instructions:

1. Sauté Chayote and Onion: Cook until tender.
2. Warm Tortillas: Prepare and fill with chicken, chayote mixture, salsa, and sour cream.
3. Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges.

5, Chicken Noodle Soup with Chayote

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil: In a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Cook onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
3. Add Broth, Chayotes, and Noodles: Simmer until tender.
4. Add Chicken: Add shredded chicken and heat through.
5. Season: With salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Serve hot with fresh parsley if desired.

Our love for chayote

It's light and a lovely natural sweetness, chayote's unique combination of culinary flexibility, ecological responsibility, and health benefits makes it an appealing choice for those looking to explore new flavors and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Its adoption in American cuisine may be growing, but there's still plenty of room to experiment and enjoy this versatile and nourishing vegetable.