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Sauteed Zucchini
Sauteed Zucchini. During the 19th century, French chefs discovered the process of sautéing vegetables in a hot pan with butter or oil. This technique has become popular around the world. Interestingly, the process of sautéing has been around for ages, this cooking method was used by Middle Eastern & Mediterranean cooks for a long time.
The term ”Saute – to jump” is derived from the French word ”Sauter – which means to toss and stir quickly”.
Zucchini is considered as a summer squash. It originated in Mexico & Central America. It was domesticated by the indigenous people of that region. What most people don’t know is that the original squash was quite bitter. In the 16th century, when the Europeans explored the Americas, they discovered the squash.
Eventually it made its way to Italy. The Italians bred the squash to be flavorful, tender and mild tasting. The best part about Zucchini is that is a neutral vegetable, it takes on the flavor of the spices and can be a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
What do you Need to Make Sauteed Zucchini?
Zucchini, Olive oil/Butter, Spices, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic.
There are two types of zucchini, dark green and light green varieties. Dark green zucchini will have a deeper and richer flavor, whilst light green zucchini will be milder in taste. Choose fresh, and firm zucchini with a smooth skin. Olive oil or butter will enhance the creamy texture of the zucchini. Olive oil has a fruity taste whilst butter has a velvety taste. You can choose either based on your preference. Combining both will provide a balanced flavor.
Different spices will elevate the taste of the Zucchini. Paprika will add smokiness, whilst Cajun spice will add heat. Salt is essential. Parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor. Adjust the spices according to your main meal preferences. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a bolder taste and texture. This contributes heat and a aromatic flavor. Finely chopped garlic blends seamlessly into the dish, adding warmth and a depth of flavor.
Instructions
Preheat your pan: Set the temperature to medium low. Start by adding olive oil & butter to your preheated pan.
Chop the Zucchini: Slice the Zucchini evenly. Add it to the pan with one side facing the hot surface of the pan. This will ensure even browning.
It takes approximately three minutes per side to achieve the even browning and partial caramelization. After it has cooked, remove the Zucchini off the pan and set aside. It is important to brown the garlic as well.
Add the spices: During the process, and after the garlic has a light browning, add the spices which include salt, green pepper (substitute with ground white or black pepper), paprika powder, cajun spice and dried parsley.
Let the spices simmer for approximately two minutes. During this step, the heat will draw out the flavors of the spices, when combined with the zucchini, it will create a flavorful side-dish.
Add the Zucchini: Re-add the Zucchini back into the pan. At this stage, it will merge with the flavorful spices. Toss a few times. Add the Zucchini to a plate, let it rest for two minutes. Sprinkle parsley and Parmesan cheese.
What can you Serve with Sauteed Zucchini?
There are many things that you can eat alongside Sauteed Zucchini. Consider pairing this side dish with Rib-Eye Steak, Roast Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Baked Fish, etc. Making an ensemble of side dishes? Here are more ideas: Roasted Brussels sprouts, Garlic Butter Green Beans.
How to Store Sauteed Zucchini?
Store in an airtight container for two to three days. It is not advisable to freeze Zucchini. The central part of the Zucchini which is referred to as the fleshy part has a tendency to absorb water, during the freezing and defrosting process, this can alter the texture of the zucchini. It can cause the Zucchini to become mushy. It is advisable to prepare the Sauteed Zucchini on the day of cooking and consume whilst it is fresh.
Expert tips
Make sure to cut the zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Place the zucchini in single layers. Add seasonings according to your flavor. You can also use onion powder.
Cook the Zucchini until it is tender. There is no need to cook for more than 3 minutes per side. Adding fresh herbs adds extra burst of flavor.
Sauteed Zucchini is incredible! Zucchini is a versatile, neutral ingredient. The best part is that Zucchini can take on many flavor profiles and it taste amazing. This recipe enhances the simple Zucchini into something more than a vegetable. It transforms it into an incredibly satisfying side-dish.
Ingredients
- 3 small Zucchini – sliced ½ inch thick
- 4 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 3 Garlic cloves – minced
Spices
- ½ Salt
- ½ Green pepper – ground
- 2 tsp Paprika powder
- ½ tsp Cajun spice
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
Garnish
- 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese – grated
- Few Fresh parsley – finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Zucchini: Prepare 2 pans, one to cook the zucchini and the other to cook the spices. Cooking both ingredients can be done at the same time or one at a time.
- Preheat one pan: Set the temperature to on medium low heat. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil and melt the butter at the same time. Distribute the zucchini in a single layer and move them around to coat them with oil and butter. Cook the zucchini for 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Move the pan from the heat if you are cooking the spices separately.
- Cook the Spices: On a separate pan that is preheated on low temperature, add the garlic, salt, pepper, Cajun spice, dried parsley, paprika powder and olive oil, and cook for 2 minutes while continuously stirring.
- Toss the spices: Add the spices into the pan of zucchini and gently toss to coat them.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese to serve.
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