Gagootz! Gagoots! May sound like a sneeze to some but it is actually an Italian word for squash or Zucchini. When used as slang, Gagootz expresses an entirely different meaning: "good for nothing". I think we all know a few those.
Cucuzza! No, I didn't stutter. Cucuzza, is another word used in parts of Italy, that also refers to squash. It has a flavor combination of summer squash and cucumber. Cucuzza is an edible gourd. It has many other names, including bottle gourd and calabash. It can grow up to 3 feet long. It has light green inedible skin that you must peel away. The white, pulpy flesh has many seeds in the center, similar to a cucumber and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. .
So to answer the question, yes, they are words in the Italian language. Fortunately enough, we all have been blessed with more than enough zucchini's throughout their season in the USofA. They are very versatile and whether it is called a Zucchini, Squash, Gagootz or Cucuzza, it can be sliced and fried or sautéed, steamed or microwaved. They all make great addition to soups, stews, gumbos, quiches and sauces and can even be used in baked goods such as quick breads, muffins and pies.
Recently I put my clever to work and I tried my luck at making Gagootz Stew. It received rave reviews from both my husband and my father-in-law, who I thought would not like it for the fact that the stew was loaded full of fresh crunchy vegetables.
Click on the photo below to print the recipe.....
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Cucuzza! No, I didn't stutter. Cucuzza, is another word used in parts of Italy, that also refers to squash. It has a flavor combination of summer squash and cucumber. Cucuzza is an edible gourd. It has many other names, including bottle gourd and calabash. It can grow up to 3 feet long. It has light green inedible skin that you must peel away. The white, pulpy flesh has many seeds in the center, similar to a cucumber and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. .
So to answer the question, yes, they are words in the Italian language. Fortunately enough, we all have been blessed with more than enough zucchini's throughout their season in the USofA. They are very versatile and whether it is called a Zucchini, Squash, Gagootz or Cucuzza, it can be sliced and fried or sautéed, steamed or microwaved. They all make great addition to soups, stews, gumbos, quiches and sauces and can even be used in baked goods such as quick breads, muffins and pies.
Recently I put my clever to work and I tried my luck at making Gagootz Stew. It received rave reviews from both my husband and my father-in-law, who I thought would not like it for the fact that the stew was loaded full of fresh crunchy vegetables.
Click on the photo below to print the recipe.....
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