Spicy Pan Roasted Chayote Squash made with Chayote Squash , Kashmiri chili, cumin and salt. Perfect as side or even great as taco filling. Vegan and vegetarian side dish ready under 20 minutes.Less than 54 calories in a serving
If you are looking for alternative to mild tasting squash like zucchini try chayote squash. I made this pan roasted chayote squash with touch of spices. Simple sides go well with bowl of rice or you can even use as taco filling with some fresh avocado, onion, and cheese.
Chayote squash
Chayote also known as mirliton, choko, tayota, chocho (Jamaica), chow chow (India) and chuchu (Brazil), is an edible plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae.
This chayote fruit is mostly used cooked. When cooked, chayote is usually handled like summer squash; it is generally lightly cooked to retain the crispy consistency. Raw chayote may be added to salads or salsas, most often marinated with lemon or lime juice. Cooked one is tastier than raw one as it does not have any flavor of its own. Whether raw or cooked, chayote is a good source of vitamin C.
Chayote is a great source of fiber, plus its packed with folate, choline, and magnesium. It is also extremely low in calories about 25 calories in a cup with carbs just under 6 grams You can eat it without thinking too much about it.
How to cook Chayote?
Chayote is the vegetable you can cook, bake, or stir fry since it blends well with flavors as it is mild its own.
You can make curries with chayote/ chow chow with lentils. Even stir fry or sautéed chayote taste great.
You can add it to soup as it retains the shape after cooking.
You can roast chayote in the oven with 2 tablespoons oil of choice + ground black pepper + 1-pound chopped chayote. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to add salt-but only after the chayote is cooked. Because salt draws moisture out of plant cell walls through osmosis. This is mainly because salt will draw moisture out while a water-rich vegetable (or fruit) cooks, it leads to a dehydrated and burnt final product with poor texture, especially with summer squash and eggplant.
Or you can try this pan fry of chayote squash. I like this Spicy Pan Roasted Chayote Squash. Made with simple spices, only little of heat from Kashmiri chili powder and black pepper, along with warm spice Cumin.
How to make this Spicy Pan roasted Chayote Squash.
With following few ingredients, you can make Pan Roasted Chayote squash
Chayote squash: You need to peel the skin. The seed is edible but I do not like to use it, so I removed it, you can keep it you want.
Kashmiri red chili has only slightly more heat than paprika. It is used for its full-bodied flavor and aroma, and to impart its vibrant red color to dishes. You can use smoked paprika.
Cumin powder: It is a warm spice, gives earthy taste and blends well with Kashmiri red chili powder.
Black pepper: Heat and pungent is from the black pepper.
Salt: Adds flavor to the dish
Red onion: caramelized red onion brings natural sweetness to dish.
Oil: I used coconut oil you can use your favorite oil. I like the taste and smell of coconut oil.
Turmeric powder: Yes, Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This spicy Pan roasted chayote is an excellent side dish and goes well with rice or any flat bread. If you want, you can convert it into a filling for your tacos. Best part is that it is full of vitamin C and low calories.
If you try this recipe, please tag me in Instagram @nidhinikhil and Facebook @zestysouthindiankitchen
Spicy Pan Roasted Chayote Squash
Equipment
- Cast Iron Pan
Ingredients
- 2 chayote squash skin is peeled and cubed into ½ inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder use smoked paprika (also use ¼ teaspoon if you don't want spicy
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ cup chopped onion.
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper optional
Instructions
- In a cast iron pan heat coconut oil and add onion and garlic when onion becomes translucent about 4-5 minutes.
- Add chayote squash ( peeled the skin and chopped into ½ inch pieces). To this add salt, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder/paprika and cook until chayote squash is cooked through well about 8 – 10 minutes. Then add pepper and switch of the flame.
- Enjoy with bowl or rice or flatbread.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This is Swathi ( Dr. Ambujom Saraswathy Ph.D) from Zesty South Indian Kitchen who loves to explore cuisines from all over the world. Whenever possible I try to to give an Indian touch to several of the world cuisine, and has weakness for freshly baked bread. All the recipes you see here are created by me and approved after taste-test by my family.
Criss says
This spicy pan-roasted chayote squash is my new favorite side! The charred edges with that chili kick are addictive. Never knew squash could be this exciting!
Leslie says
My family loved this! It was the perfect recipe to try something new and everyone loved it!
Nisha says
This chayote squash is perfect, loved the spices in it and it make a great taco filling with the avocado , lettuce and salsa.
Nicole Kendrick says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Lathiya says
My family loved this! I made this for lunch and I love the coconut oil flavor.
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Nora says
This Spicy Pan Roasted Chayote Squash is such a flavorful and quick side dish! The Kashmiri chili and cumin give it a warm, smoky kick, and the chayote stays perfectly tender-crisp. It’s light, vibrant, and even works beautifully as a taco filling—definitely a new favorite in my veggie lineup!
Liz says
Such a wonderful, delicious side dish!!! It was terrific with our grilled chicken last night!
Ieva says
Easy, quick recipe, that makes a versatile side dish. Great flavourings, just the right amount of spice!
Elizabeth says
So tasty and packed with flavor! This was a great side with our tacos the other night.
Mari says
I have a guest who wanted to know what chyote tastes like. Quite honestly, it's terribly bland.
So I made this recipe. He cleaned the platter.
I will make it again. It was very good.
Anonymous says
Nicole says
This recipe was absolutely PACKED with flavor!!
Criss says
This spicy pan-roasted chayote squash is so good! I’ve tried it, and the combination of heat and tender squash is perfect for a quick side dish or light meal.
Sonja says
This Chaoyte squash was great as a side. Super spicy and delicious.
Oscar says
he chayote squash with Kashmiri chili and cumin is such a unique combo. It’s spicy, tasty, and makes a great addition to any meal!
Leone Evrenos says
Just made this dish! Turned out great! So quick to prepare and make.
Never used these squash before. I was given 3 from a Thai Lady who is growing them on her allotment patch.
Criss says
Made this SPICY PAN ROASTED CHAYOTE SQUASH and absolutely love it!
Oscar says
This Spicy Pan Roasted Chayote Squash is fantastic! The chayote with Kashmiri chili and cumin comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a flavorful, low-calorie side or taco filling that’s both vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Nicole says
This squash was so delicious! It was so flavorful and easy to make and prep.
Ty says
If you like South Asian flavours, this is a great recipe. It’s fast, easy, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. I had a glut of chayote squash to use up and this will be one of my go-to’s.
Matt says
The spices really brought out the flavor of the chayote squash. It turned out to be a tasty and unique side!
Elizabeth says
Chayote is one of my favorite veggies! So happy to have found another way to make it besides using it in stew. So yummy!
Chef Mireille says
In some parts of the Caribbean, we also call this vegetable christophene and it is one of my favorites. This simple side dish came out perfect, So quick and easy. Will definitely be making it again.
Nicole Kendrick says
My family loved this!
Elizabeth says
So yummy and packed full of flavor! A delicious way to shake up our menu.
Randy in Florida says
I love chayote and really want to try your recipe. However, I have a question about Step 2, which says to add the chopped chayote to the pan, then add the salt, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder/paprika and cook until chayote squash is cooked through well, about 8 – 10 minutes. Then it says to "add pepper and switch off the flame", but other than the Kashmiri chili powder/paprika that was added with the chayote, there is no other pepper listed in the ingredients. Please clarify the type and quanity of pepper should be added at the very end, once the chayote and spice mixture is cooked through? Thanks!
Swathi says
You can add pepper in the end, it is optional I have updated the recipe thanks for letting me know.
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Deb says
Loved all the flavorful spices. A winning combination.
Leslie says
Love how this is created with the perfect spices! Such a delicious recipe for squash!
Nicole says
So flavorful and delicious! This dish was so easy to prepare and the whole family loved it.
Krystle says
So flavorful. This is a great veg side dish for any meal.
Leslie says
So spicy and delish!! Love this Vegan recipe
Amy Liu Dong says
Oh my, this is such a great-looking dish and looks absolutely delicious. Plus it's a healthy meal that everybody gonna love and enjoy. Love this already.
Nicole says
I love making this as a new a different side dish! The flavors are really great!
Liz says
SO flavorful and delicious!! I made it to go with our tacos this week and we all enjoyed it.
Juyali says
Delicious, healthy and quick. My kind of recipe! This was very delicious. Thanks!
Meresi Muhindo says
I will try when i get home
Claudia says
I've tried Spicy Pan Roasted Chayote Squash—it's got a great kick!
Nicole says
This squash was so delicious! It was flavored perfectly with just the right amount of spice.
Adriana says
Thank you for sharing this recipe it’s delicious
Melinda says
First time cooking with Chayote Squash and it was delicious. I served it with warm tortillas and grilled chicken but everyone kept talking about how good the squash was!
Ronald says
About cooking the squash: you may need to cover the skillet, which will really help to cook it thoroughly and retain the juiciness. Eggplant recipes are notorious for instructions that leave this out, making it seem like you can achieve good results in a brief cooking time. Same with home fried potatoes. The food will still brown nicely. This simple Indian recipe is delicious.
Sonja says
Used this as taco filling with added lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole and it was delicious.
Claudia says
Just made the spicy pan roasted chayote squash and it turned out fantastic! A perfect mix of heat and flavor. You’ve got to try it!
Erin says
This squash was so good! With just the right amount of spice level. Will be making it regularly!
Calvinderpindunder says
This sounds fantastic
We live in central Mexico were Chyote is very common.
I usually cook it on the BBQ and add parmesan wile cooking other things next time I will try these spices
More to come 😀
Nisha says
Love this recipe and saving it to try when I buy some Chayote squash next.
HENRY DUMASIS SARRA says
Very interesting and easy to follow.I'm more than 1years follow your recipe.thanks for your easy recipe maam.
Christine says
I have a bumper crop of Chayote vining up a tall tree in our yard. Every time we have a windstorm, the chayotes fall to the ground. I was looking for something new and different to do with them and I'm happy to have found this recipe! Will let you know how we like it. Thanks Swathi!
Ramona says
This looks absolutely delicious. Do you know what I could substitute chayote squash with? We don’t have this one here, not that I have seen it. Maybe I should go to the Asian stores I might actually be able to find it. I do love a good squash recipe and this sounds really good. I love all the ingredients
Christine says
Mexican and Latino markets carry this as well. It's actually a South American veggie that grows on climbing vines.
Melinda says
This was my first time cooking with chayote squash and wow, was it delicious. The spices in this recipe create an amazing flavor combination. It reminded me of something I'd enjoy in a restaurant.
Helen Fern says
I haven't had chayote since I was a kid! I had forgotten all about it!! A perfect recipe for this tasty, under-rate squash!
Elizabeth says
The coconut oil gave this such a buttery taste - it was really delicious. Will definitely be making this again!
Teresa says
I'm making this right now. I'm from the States but live in Sumatra. Chayote grow wild here and so cheap! I often use them in place of zucchini, which isn't sold where I live. It's fun to experiment with and so far this recipe smells awesome. Terima kasih! Thx!
Cpg says
Great flavor. Excellent spice. I love making this for my family.
Melinda says
There’s a lot to love about this recipe! The spices, the low calorie count and of course the ease with preparation! I’ll be making this again.
Giangi Townsend says
We love all the flavors of this dish. My husband could not stop eating it as he loved all the spices.
Thank you for the recipe
Emily says
The added spice really took this squash to the next level. I took it to a party and it was enjoyed by everyone!
Stephanie says
I never know what to do with squash so I was excited to try this recipe. This makes for a delicious side dish with the perfect spice!
Andréa Janssen says
We loved this roasted squash recipe. All the flavors blended together and made this a more than delicious dish!
Deb says
Before finding your recipe, I never tried this kind of squash. I loved it, absolutely gonna make it again soon.
Debra says
Newbie to Chayote...thanks for making it so easy and tasty!
Giangi Townsend says
A bit of spicy food is lovely to have in my repertoire. We all love this recipe, and even I can handle the spices. Thank you for another great recipe.
Gloria says
I love all kinds of squash. I have never tried this kind. I will see if I can hunt it down at the grocery store and give this a try.
megane says
This is a great spice mix with the chayote. We really loved it. I will use this recipe a lot as we can so many of the vines.
Amy Liu Dong says
Definitely a great dish that looks absolutely delicious and yummy! The chayote squash was roasted to perfection making it so enticing and tempting! Loved it!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This sounds wonderful!! I need to try this!! pinned!
Bernice says
That spice mixture sounds like it would compliment the sweet squash perfectly!
Jeannie says
I like the flavors and its so easy to make! Great side dish for us.
Michelle says
Such a delicious side dish! Thank you so much!
J.Turvey says
Made this tonight as a side with curried chicken salad... absolutely delicious! Will definitely be making this again.
Lisa says
My husband came home with these having no idea what they were because "they were only a dollar"! I googled the name on the sticker for recipes and found this. IT IS DELICIOUS! My husband loved it too. So now he's all proud of himself for his purchase haha. If we can find these at the grocery store again, we will definitely be doing this recipe again and again.
laura says
One of the best ways to may Chayote Squash!
Anosa Malanga says
I have a friend from the Philippines who share a recipe about a Sayote which they call it. Now, I have a new one to try out. Will try this out and I hope it will taste good too.
Ksenia says
I remember the first time I had chayote squash! It was so strange to peel, hit so delicious. I wish I had your recipe then!
Jamie says
I love all the spices for this squash! Delicious!
Audrey says
Such a lovely and flavorful recipe!
Marina says
Fantastic squash recipe! Love spicy food will definitely try it out! Thank you!
monica y says
The combination of flavors sounds delicious, I am going to have to try this soon
Rosemary says
This is great. I first discovered chayote in Mexico and loved it. I love this spicy version. Can't wait to try your recipe.
Catalina says
What a delicious and flavorful side dish. It's amazing!
Shoma says
I am a huge fan of squash! I need to try out your recipe this week!
Kita Bryant says
I love cooking with squash. This recipe looks absolutely delicious.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This Spicy Pan Roasted Chayote Squash is making my tummy go loco! It looks absolutely divine. I am so excited to make this.
Acupofassamtea says
Delicious.Wonderful vegetarian option. Love to give it a try.
Acupofassamtea says
Sounds delicious.Wonderful vegetarian option. Love to give it a try.
Ruth I says
Oh wow i love Chayote! it's one of my favorites. I'm now excited and intrigued to try this. I'll definitely love this one and it looks very yummy.
Heather says
This squash is delicious! Love the spicy flavor. Served it with chicken.
Tasheena says
This recipe looks so yummy. We typically have this in soup.
Beth says
This looks so good! I just added Chayote Squash to my grocery list, so I can make it. I've never had it before, but it looks like my store carries it.
Heather D says
I am going to keep an eye out for this squash so I can make this!
Marysa says
This sounds like an interesting recipe. I don't know if chayote is very common here though. The local farms grow a variety of squash and I haven't seen this one. I'll have to see if I can find this.
Monica Simpson says
I have never heard of this squash before. I love how it's green but then changes after it's cooked. Since it's mild in flavor I'm sure I will like it.
Heather says
This looks so delicious! I'm not a huge spicy fan, so I'm going to try a little milder version.
Amber Myers says
This squash looks fabulous. I love spicy foods, so I know I will be all about this dish!