Chokos (also known as chayote, or vegetable pears) are one of the more underrated cookery gems. Mild in taste and possessing a pleasant crunch, they absorb seasonings beautifully and are a wonderful base for many recipes. One of the best ways to eat this incredible vegetable, in all of its simplicity, is to make Garlic Butter Sautéed Chokos. This recipe is so easy to whip up, uses only a few ingredients, and results in a super satisfying burst of buttery garlicky goodness.
For anyone who wants a delicous side dish or a light meal this is the recipe for you. It brings out the natural sweetness of chokos and imbues them with rich, aromatic flavours. This Garlic Butter Sautéed Chokos recipe is the one you need to starting serving up today, with grilled meats, a rice dish or just as a snack and they will soon be a household favorite.
Why Chokos Deserve More Attention
However, chokos are vastly underrated in most areas of the world despite their widespread cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. They’re adaptable flavor-wise that can pair within different cuisines and their health benefits make for a super addition to anyone’s diet. Low in calories, but high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, chokos may promote digestion, strengthen the immune system, and help improve overall health.
The versatility of this humble vegetable is one of its greatest strengths. It can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, baked or, in this case, sautéed in a rich mixture of garlic and butter. When properly cooked, chokos become tender but firm enough to add a delightful crunch to any dish.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Sautéed Chokos
This recipe only asks for a few ingredients, most of them are pantry staples. The butter and garlic meld into an addictive sauce that clings to the chokos, and those seasonings are kept simple to allow the chokos to shine.
You Will Need:
- 2 medium chokos (peeled, deseeded, and sliced).
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, to garnish)
Every ingredient serves an important purpose in the dish. The butter adds richness, the garlic depth, the chili flakes a hint of heat and the lemon juice brightness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Step 1: Preparing the Chokos
Peel the chokos, cut in half lengthwise. The skin can be tough, so a sharp vegetable peeler will do the trick. After peeling, wash out the central seed, which is a bit tougher than the surrounding flesh. Slice the chokos thinly, or cut into bite-sized pieces, as desired.
Step 2: Sautéing the Garlic
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. It will lubricate the pan and will release a rich and nutty aroma as it melts, heralding the flavors that are to follow. Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. You need to watch the garlic closely because you can burn it, and burnt garlic will make your dish bitter.
Step 3: Cooking the Chokos
Mix the sliced chokos with it, tuck it in at the pan. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The idea is to create a golden, almost caramelized crust, with the interior still tender but firm.
Step 4: Seasoning and Finishing Touches
After a few moments, the chokos will have softened a little, season with salt, black pepper and, if desired, chili flakes. Mix well until all the spices and seasonings are incorporated. Add the lemon juice drizzled on top to cut through the richness of the butter.
Cook for another minute, then remove from heat. Serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Butter Sautéed Chokos is a side dish: and goes with so many meals. Some suggestions that may bring you to the table:
- As a side dish: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood for a complete meal.
- With rice or quinoa: The buttery garlic sauce is a great addition to grains, adding depth and richness to a simple bowl of rice.
- In a pasta dish: Toss with cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.
One of the simplest & boldest dishes you can make, served no matter how, it is sure to impress.
Health Benefits of Chokos
In addition to having a bunch of flavor, Garlic Butter Sautéed Chokos offers a range of health benefits.
1. Calories Are Low, Fiber Is High
Chokos are extremely low in calories whilst rich in dietary fiber, making them a perfect option for those wanting to keep their weight fair or improve digestion.
2. Rich in Antioxidant
Its antioxidants help combat inflammation and guard against cell damage.
3. Supports Heart Health
Chokos are rich in folate and potassium, two important nutrients that help promote cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and enhancing blood circulation.
4. Boosts Immunity
It has a high vitamin C content, which helps strengthen the immunity of the body to prevent diseases and infections.
Not only does incorporating this dish into your meals bring joy to the taste buds, but it also plays a role in your overall health when done with moderation.
A Dish for Every Occasion
Garlic Butter Sautéed Chokos is a popular, easy to follow recipe just perfect for you. It is an easy way to prepare these lowly green things to a tasty dish using just few simple techniques.
And anyone seeking to broaden their cooking horizons, this is a superb recipe to start with. It’s fast enough for a weekday meal but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The perfect combination of butter, garlic and fresh herbs guarantees that this dish will shine, whatever the event.
