Zucchini is a delicious food. They can be eaten raw or cooked, alone or added to other dishes. If you prefer to cook them, you can boil them, sauté them, grill them, steam them or cook them in the oven. Zucchini is also a possible substitute for pasta. If you want to include them in your daily diet, read on and experiment with different recipes to decide which ones are your favorites.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Eat Raw Zucchini
Step 1. Cut the zucchini into slices and eat them as a snack
It is not mandatory to cook them before eating them. You can cut them into slices and munch on them when you feel like having a snack.
- If the taste of raw zucchini doesn't satisfy you, you can dip them in a sauce of your choice, such as hummus, for a more tempting and flavorful snack.
- There is no need to peel the zucchini, as the peel is edible and rich in nutrients. Before eating them, however, remove the two ends with the knife.
Step 2. Cut the courgettes into slices or cubes to add to salads or a filling
Use a knife designed for cutting and chopping vegetables if you want to get a good result. Cut the zucchini into slices or cubes and sprinkle them over the salad to enrich it with nutrients and flavor. You can also add them to the filling of a wrap, sandwich or flatbread.
Cut and discard the ends of the zucchini
Step 3. Make a salad with raw courgettes
Trim them at the ends with a sharp knife, then cut them into long, thin slices using the mandolin, peeler or the side of the grater that serves to reduce the ingredients into flakes. Transfer the courgette slices to a bowl, add a handful of parsley along with the juice of one lemon and one lime. Complete the recipe with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
In summary, for this recipe you will need the following ingredients: 2 zucchini, a handful of parsley, 1 lemon, 1 lime, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper
Step 4. Put the raw zucchini on the pizza
They are a healthy and tasty ingredient. If you prefer to eat them cooked, you can spread them on the pizza before putting it in the oven. Cook the pizza according to the directions in the recipe you are following.
Method 2 of 6: Boil the Zucchini or Steam It
Step 1. Cut the zucchini into slices about 1 centimeter
Place the knife perpendicular to the courgettes and cut them into uniformly thick slices to make sure you get a homogeneous cooking.
Remove and discard the ends of the zucchini
Step 2. Place the zucchini in a metal steamer basket
The washers can be overlapped; however, they will cook evenly.
If you don't have a metal basket suitable for steaming, you can put the zucchini directly in the water and boil them. Keep in mind, however, that they will become very soft when boiled
Step 3. Pour some water into the pot
A few centimeters will be enough, it must not reach the bottom of the metal basket. The courgettes must not be covered with water, they will cook with the steam that will be produced when the water starts to boil.
If you have chosen to boil the zucchini, fill about 2/3 of the pot with cold water. Add salt to make the zucchini tastier
Step 4. Boil the water
Insert the basket into the pot and cover it with the lid to trap the steam that will have to cook the zucchini. Grab the basket by the handle so you don't risk getting burned.
If you have chosen to boil the zucchini, dip them directly into the water when it starts to boil
Step 5. Cook the zucchini for 3 to 6 minutes or until soft
Set a timer so you don't risk letting them cook for too long. You can check their doneness by piercing them with a fork. They need to be soft, not mushy.
Step 6. Drain the courgettes if you have boiled them
Pour them into a colander to drain the cooking water.
If you have steamed the zucchini, it is not necessary to drain them as they are not immersed in water
Step 7. Season the courgettes to taste
After transferring them to your plate, you can flavor them with your favorite condiments, such as oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt or pepper. It takes very little to enhance the natural taste of zucchini.
Season the zucchini gradually and taste, so as not to risk completely covering their delicate flavor. Add more seasoning if needed
Step 8. If you wish, you can add zucchini to a soup
Combine them with the other ingredients of the recipe, bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 40 minutes or for the time necessary to cook all the ingredients.
Method 3 of 6: Bake the Zucchini in the Oven
Step 1. Cut the courgettes into slices or cubes about half a centimeter thick
Place the knife perpendicular to the zucchini, then cut them starting from one end and moving towards the other.
- Discard the two ends of the zucchini.
- Alternatively, you can remove the ends from the zucchini and then simply cut them in half lengthwise.
Step 2. Season the courgettes with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter
Make sure they are well greased and seasoned on all sides before putting them in the oven.
Step 3. Complete the dressing with spices and herbs
You can bake courgettes in the oven even without seasoning them, but with an extra touch they will be even more inviting and delicious. After sprinkling them with oil or butter, sprinkle them with your favorite spices and herbs. You can take a cue from these ideas:
- Use salt and pepper;
- Add oregano or a blend of Mediterranean herbs;
- You can also use fresh herbs, such as thyme or dill;
- Add a pinch of chili if you love spicy food.
Step 4. Arrange the courgettes on the baking sheet without overlapping them
Use your hands or a spoon to arrange them neatly around the pan. They must be arranged in a single layer in order to obtain uniform cooking.
Use a non-stick baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or grease it to prevent the courgettes from sticking to the bottom
Step 5. Sprinkle the courgettes with grated Parmesan if you want to make them even tastier
Spread the cheese into the pan a little at a time using your hands or a spoon. Go through several steps until you have added the desired amount.
- You can buy Parmesan already grated or grate it right now.
- The cheese will give the dish an even richer and tastier taste.
Step 6. Bake the zucchini in the oven at 175 ° C for 35-40 minutes
Place the pan on the center shelf of the oven and set the kitchen timer to avoid the risk of overcooking the zucchini. Wear oven mitts when it's time to take the pan out of the oven.
Let the zucchini cool for 2-3 minutes before serving
Step 7. Alternatively, you can add zucchini to your favorite baked goods
For example, you can add them to bread dough or savory muffins to make them healthier and more nutritious. Chop them up using the peeler or the side of the grater that is used to reduce the ingredients into flakes, then press them with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid. Incorporate them into wet ingredients, such as butter, oil, and eggs, before combining them with dry ingredients.
- After grating them, it is important to dab the zucchini with a cloth, otherwise they will make the dough too moist.
- You can look for a specific recipe for savory bread or muffins that includes zucchini or simply add them to your usual preparations.
Method 4 of 6: Sauté the Zucchini in the pan
Step 1. Cut the courgettes into slices
Use a knife suitable for cutting vegetables and hold it perpendicular to the zucchini. Remove a few millimeters from the ends, then cut the zucchini into slices of uniform thickness.
Discard the ends of the zucchini
Step 2. Heat a tablespoon (15ml) of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat
Pour the oil into the pan before turning on the stove. Wait about 30 seconds, so that the oil has time to heat up, before putting the zucchini in the pan.
Step 3. Pour the courgettes into the pan and sauté them in the hot oil for 5 minutes
Stir them until they are evenly covered in oil. Make sure the zucchini and seasoning are well distributed throughout the pan. Stir frequently for even cooking.
- Set the cooking time on the kitchen or mobile timer to avoid the risk of overcooking the courgettes.
- To determine if they are ready, make sure they have softened and that the skin is darkened slightly.
Step 4. Season the courgettes to taste
Sprinkle them with the spices and seasonings until they are hot. You can season them in a pan or on a plate taking inspiration from the following ideas:
- Season them with salt and pepper;
- Add a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese after having salted and peppered them;
- Sprinkle them with a few drops of lemon juice and chopped herbs and flavorings, such as dill, coriander, and scallions.
Step 5. Saute the courgettes in a pan with other vegetables and ingredients for a richer taste
You can combine zucchini with other vegetables to create a healthy and incredibly flavorful side dish. Heat the oil in a pan, sauté the vegetables over medium-high heat and serve them as a side dish or, if you prefer, add some protein to create a complete dish.
Method 5 of 6: Grill the Zucchini
Step 1. Remove the ends of the courgettes with the knife and slice them lengthwise or into slices
Hold them steady with your non-dominant hand while cutting them with a sharp vegetable knife. If you want to cut them lengthwise, slice them from one end to the other. If, on the other hand, you prefer to cut them into slices, hold the knife perpendicular to the courgettes, then cut them into round slices of uniform thickness.
- Throw the ends of the zucchini into the organic waste or compost bin.
- For simplicity, when grilling zucchini it is best to cut them lengthwise.
Step 2. Season the courgettes
Before grilling them, it is necessary to grease them with a quality oil, such as extra virgin olive oil. You can dress them in a bowl or grease them with a kitchen brush. Then sprinkle them with your favorite herbs and spices. Here are some tips for making zucchini delicious:
- Combine 2 tablespoons (30ml) of melted butter with one tablespoon (15ml) of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice. Season the courgettes with the mixture and then sprinkle them with the garlic powder.
- Mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of balsamic vinegar. Season the courgettes, then sprinkle them with salt, garlic powder, and a blend of herbs and spices.
- Season the courgettes with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with chilli, garlic powder and grated lemon zest. Also add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3. Heat the grill or skillet over medium-high heat
Let the pan heat up before putting the courgettes to cook. You can check that it is hot by dropping a couple of drops of water in it: if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, you can start cooking.
You can grill zucchini on the barbecue, on a griddle or in a grill pan
Step 4. Grill the courgettes on both sides for 2 minutes or until they are evenly golden
Arrange them on the grill, plate or pan and set the kitchen timer to get evenly cooked on both sides, without risking burning the courgettes. Check them after 2 minutes to see if they are ready. If not, leave them on the grill and check them every few seconds, then turn them over to the other side.
The courgettes must take on a golden hue. The classic brownish streaks that characterize grilled food may appear, but don't wait for them to form. Flip or remove the courgettes from the grill as soon as they change color
Step 5. Serve the courgettes still hot
Grilled courgettes are a great side dish and when hot they are even tastier.
If you wish, you can sprinkle them with grated Parmesan
Method 6 of 6: Using Zucchini in First Dishes
Step 1. Use the mandolin or spiralizer to cut the zucchini into very thin strips
Secure the courgette to the utensil and put it to work. With the mandolin or the spiralizer you can get long and thin strips very similar to spaghetti.
- The mandolin and spiralizer can be purchased in stores that sell kitchen utensils or online.
- Alternatively, you can use a vegetable grater.
- Zucchini noodles are also called "zoodles", a name that derives from the combination of 'zucchini' and 'noodles'.
Step 2. Add raw zucchini to a pasta salad
Depending on the recipe, you can cut them into long, thin strips or into small pieces.
You can also use them as a substitute for pasta and dress them as if you were making a pasta salad
Step 3. Cook the courgettes for 2-4 minutes if you want to add them to a pasta sauce
This way they will remain crunchy. If you are following a low calorie diet, you can use zucchini instead of spaghetti. When the sauce is ready, pour it over the zucchini spaghetti and bring them to the table immediately.
If you want the zucchini noodles to be soft rather than crunchy, cook them for 4-5 minutes
Step 4. Use courgettes in combination with pasta whenever you want to make the dish more nutritious and light
You can add them to the sauce both raw and cooked. For a completely vegetarian first course, you can cook them in a pan with other vegetables or tomato puree.
Advice
- Zucchini is a healthy food, low in calories and rich in nutrients.
- Technically, courgette is a fruit, but traditionally it is treated like a vegetable.
