Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Googootz: Part II


Where were we?

Right. Time to cook the cucuzza.

As I explained when last we met, use a cucuzza (Hell, we're all friends here, you can just call it "googootz.") as you would a squash.


First thing you should know is that the skin can be quite hard and so it must always be peeled, never eaten. Sounds easy, but it isn't always. If you're lucky to score a soft-skinned googootz a peeler should do the trick, but often as not it will require a sturdy knife. I'd suggest cutting the cucuzza into six- or eight-inch sections and then peeling away the skin. Safer that way.

The soft core on the inside, the part with the seeds, must also be removed. After which you can go ahead and slice, dice, shred, whatever you like.

Hey, do what you want, it's your googootz!

In the past week I've made four different dishes: an appetizer, a pasta course, a main and even a dessert.


THE APPETIZER
Fried cucuzza sticks I have to say, these were really terrific. All's I did was roll some pieces in cornmeal seasoned with salt and pepper and fry them in olive oil until crisp. The crunchy outside was a perfect match for the cucuzza, which, now that I think of it, has a kind of creamy texture when it's cooked.


THE PASTA
Strozzapretti alla cucuzza Here we have the obligatory red sauce, only with the one addition. It's how a lot of my people prepare their googootz. And it's good. One thing, though: Unless you want the cucuzza turning to mush, I'd suggest adding it after the sauce has finished cooking, then simmering for just another few minutes.


THE MAIN
Giambotta This is an Italian vegetable stew, but when my family makes giambotta with googootz we always add chicken, which I guess makes it a chicken stew. This is a special kind of dish; summers just wouldn't be the same without at least one giambotta. I've got my recipe below. It's worth trying, at least once.



THE DESSERT
Cucuzza ricotta cheesecake I'm not a baker. And don't know what possessed me. All I'll say is that, despite my best efforts to screw it up, this cake turned out really good. Good enough that I've included the recipe below. Be warned: I don't know what the hell I'm doing here, so proceed with caution — and change whatever you want. Please.


THE EXTRA CREDIT
Googootz & eggs Hey, I was looking for an easy lunch and this did the trick. You got a better idea?


THE RECIPES
Giambotta
Makes 4 servings
1 googootz (peeled, cored and diced into 2-inch pieces)
1 red onion
1 carrot
8-10 garlic cloves (fine, use less, see if I care)
Piece of pancetta (or bacon or proscuitto), diced
Olive oil
Fresh rosemary and oregano
Hot pepper to taste
2 or so cups white or blush wine
4 chicken thighs

Saute the onions, garlic, carrots, pancetta, hot pepper and herbs in olive oil until tender. Add the chicken thighs (skin down), season with salt and black pepper and simmer at medium heat for 15 minutes.
Add the wine (use more if it doesn't cover the thighs) and simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove thighs. When cool, remove skin, pull the meat from the bones and return meat to the pot. Add googootz slices and simmer for 15 minutes.
Let it all cool down, then toss it in the fridge overnight and have something else for dinner.
Giambotta is always better the next day.

Cucuzza ricotta cheesecake
1 googootz (peeled, cored, roasted until most of its moisture has evaporated, then finely diced or run through a food processor)
1 lb ricotta
3 eggs
1/4 cup diced citron
1/4 cup unsalted pistachios
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
cinnamon
nutmeg

Mix everything together in a bowl, then pour into a 10-inch baking pan.
Cook at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Refrigerate after it cools and eat it cold.
For some reason, I don't know why, it's better this way.

5 comments:

Jeannie said...

I always suspect that is not the real name when I first read it in Part I! Now I know better....or do I? Hmmm, you did a real good job creating so many dishes with this cuccuzza, err..how do you spell that again? I can't see the post from here!

Thomas Henry Strenk said...

That cheesecake is beautiful to look at, Mr. M; I especially love the garnish--very clever. But can you truthfully say the googootz added anything to the cake?
In general, looks like a lot of prep work for what is, after all, just squash.
I know, it's the old adage, if life gives you tons of googootz, make lemon squash.

Thomas Henry Strenk said...

SUCK ON THIS!
A restaurant called Prairie Fire is
featuring a vodka booze-sicle made with brown sugar and squash.
There's an idea for you.

Mister Meatball said...

THS: Glad to have you back. If you're allowed to cross state lines come north and have a slice of pie for yourself. Of course, be sure to bring your medication.

Ann said...

My Giambotta was fantastic.
I couldn't wait till the next day, so I just ate it. I even took a picture because it looked so pretty. (I wish someone wanted to smell my breath right now, cause I bet it is nice.) Something I will make again for sure.
Those little fritters must have been good too. Might try those later today.
Thank you.