Zucchini

Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash in the Cucurbitaceae plant family, alongside melons, spaghetti squash, and cucumbers.

Some flavors that pair well with Zucchini include: onions, spinach, carrots, tomatoesCooked zucchini is an excellent source of Vitamins A and contains a small amount of iron, calcium, zinc and several B vitamins. Raw zucchini has less vitamin A and more vitamin C.  

Source: https://www.healthline.com  

Methods of Preparation:

Recipes

Quick Easy Sauteed Zucchini

Total Time: 10 min                        Servings: 4 servings                                                  Source: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/38045/sauteed-zucchini-recipe/                                                                                                                                                              

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ pounds chopped zucchini, 2 medium
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 3 cloves
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced, optional
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or more to taste, optional
• 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, optional
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper                                                                                       

Directions

1. How you cut the zucchini is up to you. You can slice it into rounds, cut it into half moons, or chop it into bite-size pieces.
2. Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is browned in places and tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat, stir in the scallions and cheese (if using), and squeeze in lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Zucchini Salad

Total Time: 10 min                        Servings: 4 servings                                                  Source: https://www.loveandlemons.com/zucchini-salad/                                                                                                                                                             

Ingredients

• Lemon Vinaigrette, plus 1/4 cup minced shallot mixed in
• 3 small-medium zucchini
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Handful of basil
• Shaved Parmesan, optional
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper                                                                                     

Directions

1. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the zucchini into thin strips. Place the zucchini in a large bowl, toss with drizzles of the dressing, then transfer the zucchini to a platter.
2. Top with the pine nuts, chives, basil, and a few shavings of Parmesan, if using. Drizzle with more dressing and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Easy 5-Minute Zucchini Parmesan

Total Time: 5 min                        Servings: 2 servings                                                  Source: https://www.loveandlemons.com/zucchini-salad/                                                                                                                                                             

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini , sliced into ½-inch thick coins
• 4 tablespoons butter , cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese , or more to your liking
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper                                                                                    

Directions

1. To prepare the zucchini in the microwave, add the zucchini rounds to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and cook for 4 minutes on high, or until the zucchini are just tender. Drain the water from the zucchini and add the butter, tossing to melt. Season with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan. Cover until ready to serve while still hot.
2. To prepare the zucchini on the stovetop, place a steamer basket in a saucepan with ½ cup water or just below the bottom of the steamer. Fill the steamer basket with the zucchini and cover with a lid then bring to a boil. Steam covered for 3-4 minutes or until the zucchini are just tender. Drain the water from the zucchini, remove the steamer, then add the butter, tossing to melt. Season with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan. Cover until ready to serve while still hot