5 delightful ways to cook with sechium
What's the story
Sechium, popularly known as chayote, is one of those vegetables which can be used in an array of dishes. Its mild flavor and crisp texture can be an excellent addition to many a dish. Whether you want to add more veggies to your diet or just try something new, sechium has got you covered. Here are five delicious ways to use this unique vegetable.
Stir-fry
Stir-fried sechium with vegetables
Stir-frying sechium with other veggies is the fastest and easiest way to relish its delicate flavor. Just slice the sechium thin and toss it into a hot pan with oil, garlic, and any vegetables of your choice, like bell peppers or carrots. Stir for five minutes or so until everything is tender yet crisp. This way, you make the most of the ingredients' nutrition with a crunch.
Fresh salad
Sechium salad with lime dressing
For a refreshing salad, mix sliced sechium with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle it with lime juice and olive oil for a zesty dressing that pairs beautifully with the vegetables' natural flavors. The salad works great as a light side dish or even as a main course on hot days when you want something cool and invigorating.
Warm soup
Creamy sechium soup
Sechium can also be turned into a creamy soup that warms you up on chilly days. Begin by sauteing onions and garlic in butter followed by adding diced sechium and vegetable broth. Let it simmer until the sechium softens, then blend until smooth for a velvety texture. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley for added depth.
Oven-baked dish
Baked sechium casserole
A baked casserole with sechium is comfort food without the heaviness. Layer sliced sechiums in an oven-safe dish and add potatoes or zucchini if you wish. Top off with a cheese sauce made from milk, flour, butter, and grated cheese before baking at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) until golden brown on top—30 minutes should do it depending on thickness.
Pickling
Pickled sechiums for tangy snacks
Pickling turns raw slices of this vegetable into tangy snacks that add zestiness anywhere you want. Prepare pickling brine using vinegar, sugar, and spices like mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and dill weed. Put sliced pieces inside jars, pour over prepared brine ensuring full coverage. Seal tightly, refrigerate overnight allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.