Cucuzza-Tomato Sauce over Spaghetti
from Cooking Light, July 2008

Cooking Light Associate Art Director Shay McNamee's grandfather grows cucuzza (a squash similar to zucchini, although usually much larger), and her Sicilian-born grandmother uses it to prepare this garlicky recipe. You can substitute zucchini or yellow squash. With its origins in Italy, cucuzza seeds have been in the same family for generations.

Note about Cucuzza: This squash must be peeled and usually should be seeded. If the seeds are soft, steam or use as a substitute for zucchini in recipes. If the seeds are hard, use like winter squash by either baking, stuffing, or stewing in chunks. Add to casseroles and stir-fries, or make a superb cucuzza souffle. This squash makes delicious quiche, stew, or gumbo. A perfect accompaniment for fish, meat, or soup, it even makes great muffins. Prepare whole, in chunks, or sliced. It may be fried, steamed, sauteed, or microwaved. Top with butter and a squeeze of lemon juice to enjoy its natural flavor. Herbs that complement summer squash are curry, basil, oregano, chili powder, parsley, and garlic. To store, place in plastic bag; refrigerate.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion (about 1 small)
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (26-ounce) jar tomato pasta sauce (try using fresh Roma tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes - would be lighter)
(1 1/4-pound) cucuzza, peeled and cut crosswise into (1/4-inch-thick) slices (about 5 cups)
8 cups hot cooked spaghetti (1 pound uncooked)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan, and sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds. Add salt, pepper, pasta sauce, and squash to pan. Reduce heat, and simmer 55 minutes or until squash is tender. Serve over pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil.

Also good served with grilled chicken or fried Italian sausage. Another old Italian recipe similar to this says to add cubes of potatoes if you would like to serve this as a side vegetable instead of over pasta.

8 servings