Mirliton is a nutrient-dense fruit that boasts an array of culinary uses. Known by various names such as chayote, choko, and chow chow, this type of squash is a treasure trove of essential B vitamins, vitamin C, E, and K, along with a rich mineral profile. Its mild, crunchy texture, reminiscent of cucumber or zucchini, is further enhanced by subtle sweet notes.
With its versatility and impressive nutritional profile, incorporating mirliton into your meal plans becomes an exciting culinary adventure. To make the most of this healthy fruit, we’ve curated a selection of mouth-watering recipes that can be easily prepared in the comfort of your own home.
Mirliton Recipes
Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons
In Louisiana, a beloved twist on traditional mirliton recipes is the indulgent shrimp-stuffed delight. The process begins by partially boiling the mirlitons, followed by seed removal and pulp extraction – which becomes an integral part of the filling’s foundation. A medley of aromatics, including shrimp, celery, onion, bell peppers, garlic, and that very same mirliton pulp, are then sautéed to perfection.
Breadcrumbs are added to the mixture before being nestled within the hollowed-out mirlitons. The resulting casserole is then baked to golden brown perfection, finished with a flourish of fresh parsley for an effortless yet impressive presentation.
Creamy Roasted Mirliton Crab Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of Haiti with this delectable creamy roasted mirliton crab soup. The journey begins by seasoning mirlitons, potatoes, and garlic, then roasting them to perfection before blending them with a savory homemade shrimp broth. Next, succulent crab meat is added, and the soup is simmered until it reaches a satisfying thickness. To finish, a dollop of cream adds a luxurious touch, resulting in a wholesome and incredibly tasty dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
This recipe is a true standout among our mirliton creations!
Mirliton And Gulf Shrimp Casserole
Imagine a delightful harmony between mirliton and shrimp as they unite in a mouthwatering casserole, perfect for any celebration. The addition of Creole seasoning, spicy andouille sausage, and a medley of aromatics elevates this baked masterpiece to unparalleled heights of flavor. To complete the sensory experience, crusty bread is torn into bite-sized morsels to soak up the rich butteriness, while bay leaf, garlic, and scallion add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
This extraordinary mirliton casserole is sure to be the star attraction at your next family gathering.
Mirliton And Shrimp Soup
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of our mirliton and shrimp soup, perfect for a chilly day. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal effort yet yields a rich and satisfying bowl of goodness. Simply boil the mirliton, remove and mash its tender flesh, then combine it with sautéed onion, celery, garlic, and succulent shrimp. Season with a blend of pepper, salt, ground ginger, and basil for added depth, followed by a roux of flour and chicken broth to thicken the mixture.
Allow it to simmer for 30 minutes before finishing with a dollop of half-and-half. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth this mirliton soup has to offer.
Broussard’s Seafood Stuffed Mirliton Nicola
Indulge in the rich flavors of Broussard’s restaurant in New Orleans by replicating their seafood-stuffed mirliton recipe at home. The star of the show is the savory stuffing, crafted with succulent shrimp and lump crabmeat cooked in a hint of white wine and infused with the freshness of chopped dill. A pinch of salt and pepper adds depth to this delectable mixture.
This mouthwatering dish is an absolute must-try, and we encourage you to pair it with a bed of fluffy rice and a drizzle of tangy marinara sauce for a truly unforgettable meal experience.
Sautéed Chayote (Mirliton) Squash And Potatoes With Shallots And Mint
This mirliton or chayote recipe is an effortless way to create a delectable appetizer or side dish. By combining the humble ingredients of potatoes, shallots, and garlic with the unique flavor of mirliton, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously aromatic and visually appealing dish. The process begins by peeling and slicing both potatoes and mirliton into thin strips before sautéing them in a hot pan together with the pungency of shallots and garlic until they reach a golden brown hue.
A sprinkle of salt and pepper adds depth to the dish, while fresh mint leaves provide a pop of color and freshness. With its simplicity and ease of preparation, this recipe is perfect for those looking to impress without breaking a sweat.
Mirliton, Shrimp And Crabmeat Dressing
Mirliton pairs harmoniously with seafood, making this casserole dish a true delight. The combination of mirliton, shrimp, and crabmeat is nothing short of mouthwatering. To create this delectable dressing, start by cooking aromatics and vegetables until they’re tender and flavorful, then season them with salt, pepper, thyme, and a dash of hot sauce for added depth. Next, add the shrimp, crab meat, and mirlitons to the pot, stirring occasionally until the ingredients are well combined.
Finally, stir in some breadcrumbs to add texture, then transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with butter. Bake the dressing for 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly, before finishing it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The end result is an impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Mirliton Crab Bisque
Indulge in a rich and bold mirliton crab bisque that’s sure to become a dinner time staple. This straightforward recipe combines the flavors of crab stock, Sauterne wine, liquid crab boil, aromatic seasonings, and fresh vegetables to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. To elevate its authenticity and flavor profile, jumbo lump crab meat is used in generous portions. A sprinkle of parsley and paprika adds a pop of color and a touch of smokiness just before serving.
Prepare for the impossible: you’ll be craving seconds (and maybe even thirds!) of this delectable crab bisque.
Niouk Yen (Mirliton Dumplings)
Elevate your next meal with the unique flavors of Mauritius by incorporating vegan Niouk Yen, a twist on traditional mirliton dumplings. This recipe combines grated mirliton and vegan minced meat or mushrooms to form bite-sized balls seasoned with soy sauce and garlic, held together by cornstarch. Once formed, the dumplings are steamed to perfection before being served with a tantalizing ginger or garlic sauce that perfectly complements their earthy flavors.
Prepare for second helpings of these irresistible morsels!
Chayote (Mirliton) Squash Salad With Vinaigrette Dressing
Indulge in a delightful salad that harmoniously blends the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, the crunch of shredded carrots, and the subtle flavor of mirlitons. The crowning glory is a vinaigrette dressing crafted with apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced horseradish, Dijon mustard, and honey – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will leave you wanting more. This nutritious and low-calorie treat is a true culinary delight.
New Orleans Stuffed Mirliton
Indulge in the flavors of New Orleans with this delectable stuffed mirliton recipe, elevated by the addition of succulent crawfish. The aromatic trio of onion, garlic, and parsley creates a savory blend, while thyme adds a subtle herbal depth. Baked to perfection, this mouthwatering dish is sure to become a staple at your next meal.
Vietnamese Chayote (Mirliton) Squash With Beef
A flavorful Vietnamese dish is born when tender beef slices are caramelized with the sweetness of mirlitons and onions, all enhanced by the savory umami of oyster sauce. The authentic touch comes from the addition of fish sauce, used to marinate the beef before cooking. The aromatics – sautéed onions, mirlitons, and garlic – provide a rich base for the dish, which is then completed with partially cooked beef slices that are seasoned to perfection.
Serve this nutritious meal with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and filling experience.
Crispy Mirliton And Spicy Shrimp Napoleon With Tomato Remoulade
Indulge in this mouthwatering recipe that masterfully incorporates mirlitons, yielding a treat that’s both visually stunning and delectable. The structure is built by layering crispy fried mirliton crisps with succulent shrimp, all held together by a rich tomato remoulade sauce flowing over the top and down the sides. A delicate frisée lettuce crown adorns the apex of this edible masterpiece, while bell pepper slices add a pop of color to the plate.
Not only does this dish impress on the visual front, but it also delivers in terms of flavor, with each bite an absolute delight.
Cilantro Lime Chayote (Mirliton) Slaw
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with this scrumptious mirliton slaw recipe! Perfect as a tangy topping for tacos or a nutritious side dish, this refreshing creation boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Rich in fiber and low in calories, it’s an ideal option for a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full but not weighed down.
The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complexity of the flavors, with mirliton, purple cabbage, carrots, jalapeño, and fragrant cilantro combining in harmony. A squeeze of lime juice brings everything together, delivering a dish that’s both bold and invigorating.
Crispy Chayote (Mirliton) Wedges With Avocado Salsa
Instructions
While preparing your Cajun-inspired dish, begin by boiling a large pot of water and adding salt. Next, add mirlitons and let them cook for approximately 30 minutes or until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, remove the mirlitons from the pot with a spoon and immediately submerge them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool before cutting them lengthwise into halves. Remove the seeds from each half and discard them.
Then, scoop out the flesh and roughly chop it for use in your stuffing later on. While the mirlitons are cooling, start preheating your oven to 350°F (or 175°C). In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, then set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Add celery, onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the same skillet, using the remaining bacon grease for added flavor.
Sauté the mixture until the onion is translucent, then add ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink. Stir in diced tomatoes and chopped mirliton flesh, followed by a pinch of oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until any excess liquid has evaporated, then transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in cooked bacon and two-thirds of your grated cheese. In a separate bowl, beat an egg and mix it with breadcrumbs.
Add the cooked meat mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined. Spoon this mixture onto mirliton shells, topping each one with the remaining cheese. Place the stuffed mirlitons on a buttered baking tray and bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Finally, serve your Cajun delicacy and enjoy!
Notes
Mirlitons, also known as chayotes, offer a versatile canvas for customization. Feel free to swap in your preferred cheese or ground meat to give this dish a personal touch. When it comes to the nutritional profile, our recipe yields four servings, with each serving providing approximately 581 calories, 34g of total fat, including 14g of saturated fat and 1g of trans fat. The unsaturated fat content checks in at 15g, while cholesterol levels come out to 183mg per serving.
Sodium levels are moderate at 1090mg, with carbohydrates accounting for 20g per serving. Fiber contributes 2g, sugar adds 4g, and protein makes up a notable 47g.
