Here’s a low-effort dinner that leans on peak-season summer produce and pantry staples: Silky Sweet Sun Golds, Summer Squash, + White Beans. Perfect on its own, spooned over crusty bread, and served alongside shrimp or any white fish. This is the time of year (July) that I go through about five pints of sun gold tomatoes a week. They only taste this good for a fleeting season and I always want them on hand. They’re sweet, tangy but not sour, and extra savory. And how can you not love their sunny golden hue? They have this bright and fruity note that’s so luscious in a quick pasta sauce. The sauce comes together in a skillet with olive oil, shallots, garlic, and gently crushed sun golds to release their juices. It’s so velvety and so simple. I fold white beans and summer squash in place of pasta because sometimes, mama needs to hit more food groups. Turns out, it’s delightful! So here we are.
Here’s how this recipe comes together. You’ll make the base of the sauce as previously described, and fold in thinly sliced summer squash and basil. You’ll add two cans of drained and rinsed white beans. Let it cook covered with a lid for fifteen minutes and you’re done cookin. Spoon into bowls, drizzle with *lots* of extra virgin olive oil and finish with freshly cracked black pepper. Spoon it all over crusty toasted or grilled bread. Oh, and hot tip: after you cook the beans for 15 minutes you can turn the heat off and leave the lid on until you’re ready to eat dinner. They’ll stay warm for a while with the lid on and the dish will only taste better the longer it sits. For a deeper dive into this recipe, along with product recs and extra cooking tips, follow along on my Substack, Cooking But Keep It Casual and be sure to subscribe here.
A low effort, seasonal dinner recipe. But really, an ode to summer cooking and sun gold tomatoes.
Cook the aromatics
Add the tomatoes + squash
Add the beans
Finish + serve
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