Creating 5 meals with chayote can be fun. Chayote is considered a fruit. I can be eaten both raw and cooked. Chayote, pronounced [chah-YOH-teh] is known by many names: chocho, choko, christophene, christophine, mirliton, and so many other names.
The whole plant including the fruit, stem, and leaves contains multiple nutrients and has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of high-blood pressure, kidney stones, and indigestion. Chayote can also help support weight loss efforts, as it is low in calories and fibrous.
ChayoteSometimes referred to a vegetable pear, its squash like fruit has a slightly crisp texture similar to an apple and also has a mild flavor that is revived with fresh cooking herbs. It is seen in two forms, smooth and prickly. Chayote is very common in the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and United Sates.Chayote is very low in calories and contains moderate levels of potassium. It also contains an adequate moderate levels potassium and is high in fiber and aids in weight loss.
Roasted Chayote
Baked Chayote with Crabmeat
Chayote au Gratin
Eggplant and Chayote Meatless Stew
Sauteed Chayote
Chayote Salad
Shopping List
Chayote meals
Roasted Chayote or Roasted Mirliton
2 chayotes or cho cho or mirliton
1 large shallot sliced thin (or a small red onion)
2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings or dried fine herbs
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1-tablespoon Grape seed oil or Olive oil, more if needed
Parchment paper
Chayote au Gratin
4 chayote, peeled, core removed, and cut into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes
1 cup cooked ham or low sodium turkey spam cut in small cubes
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
1 tsp thyme, leaves only and chopped
oil for frying
Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups of milk
1 cup grated cheese – asiago, gruyere, or parmesan
Bread crumbs for topping
Additional butter and grated cheese for topping
Sauteed Chayote
2 chayote/christophine/chocho or mirliton
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil)
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
Bacon or prosciutto, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Chives or parsley to decorate
Lemon zest, optional
Baked Chayote (Mirliton) Stuffed with Crabmeat
2 chayote (mirlitons)
1 tablespoon olive oil/grapeseed or coconut oil
1 shallots, finely chopped
1 basil lead, finely chopped
1 sprig parsley, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
½ pound crabmeat
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, plus additional for sprinkling
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Eggplant and Chayote Meatless Stew
2 pounds eggplant, cut into cubes
2 medium chayote, cut in cubes
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups tomatoes, diced
2 cups onions, finely sliced
1 cup red bell peppers, finely chopped
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ tablespoon lemon juice (fresh lemon or lime juice)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup watercress, cleaned, rinsed and chopped
Chayote Salad
2 chayote
For the Vinaigrette: 1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar or white vinegar or rice vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 shallot, chopped finely 1 whole garlic, crushed/chopped finely 2 scallions, sliced thin Season with salt and pepper
Planning and Cooking Tips
Most meals are usually for 4 – 6 people. Adjust as needed.
Use either Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence, Mrs. Dash original or your own blend of fine herbs to cook your veggies.
Best to wear gloves when peeling chayote.
Chayote contains lots of water. Do not overcook them as they are best enjoyed when they’re a bit crunchy.
For the crabmeat, avoid imitation crabmeat. Best to use real crabmeat.
If you find white colored chayote, you can buy them also. Same taste, same texture, different color.