Stewed Tomatoes and Cucuzza

Kim D.'s Note:

I came up with this recipe because I had so many ripe cucuzza squash in my garden. Cucuzza is a long green Italian squash. They are sometimes hard to find, but if you can find one, this dish is worth trying! I serve it with wheat pasta and grilled chicken or Italian sausage.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 small onion , finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups cucuzza , peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• salt , to taste
• pepper , to taste
• parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in skillet and add onions and garlic.
2. Saute until onions are tender (but do not brown).
3. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes.
5. Add diced cucuzza, basil, salt and pepper.
6. Simmer an additional 20-30 minutes, until cucuzza is tender.
7. Add Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.

Reviews

[Chef #1345219]

My boss gave me a cucuzza, I had never heard of it before so was happy to find a recipe. I used 2 15oz cans of crushed tomatoes instead of the diced and sauce. Also added the contents of 1 italian sausage link and browned it with the onions. Used fresh basil and added 1 tsp sugar. It was very tasty.

[rickscott]

I haven't tried Kim's version yet, but I have been a fan of cucuzza since I was a small child. My Uncle Joe used to grow it and my Mamaw would cook it for me. Kim, you should try adding chunks of mozzerella and the greens from the plants are also very good in the dish.