Immerse yourself in a delightful blend of textures and flavors with this sauteed zucchini delight. This dish is a perfect medley of tender zucchini and ripe tomatoes, elevated by the unique blend of herbs and spices. The finishing touch of melted cheese takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's an easy recipe that promises a refreshing and tantalizing treat to your taste buds.
This recipe calls for some ingredients that might not be everyday staples in your pantry. Dried parsley and basil are key to infuse this dish with its characteristic flavor. These herbs are readily available in the spice aisle of most supermarkets. Similarly, seasoned salt, another key ingredient, is generally available in the spice section. Remember to pick a good quality mozzarella and parmesan cheese, as it adds a wonderful creaminess and depth to the dish.
Ingredients for Sauteed Zucchini Delight
Olive oil: A healthy fat that forms the base for sauteing the vegetables. Its mild flavor doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
Onion: Adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Its robust flavor complements the other ingredients.
Zucchini: The star ingredient of the dish, it lends its fresh and tender qualities.
Dried parsley: Gives an earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
Dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly minty flavor.
Tomatoes: Imparts a juicy and tangy taste.
Seasoned salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat to balance the dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to give a creamy texture and a mild flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and a wonderful aroma.
One reader, Curr Yanez says:
This sautéed zucchini delight is a game-changer! The combination of tender-crisp zucchini, flavorful herbs, and melted cheese is simply divine. It's a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish that's become a staple in my kitchen. I highly recommend trying it!
Mastering the Art of Sauteing Zucchini
How to sauté onions: Sauté the onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become tender and translucent.
How to cook zucchini: Add the garlic, zucchini, dried parsley, and dried basil to the sautéed onions and cook until the zucchini is tender-crisp, which should take about 5-6 minutes.
How to melt cheese: After removing the zucchini from the heat, sprinkle it with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then cover it with a lid and allow it to rest for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, the zucchini can be broiled to brown the cheese instead of covering it with a lid.
How To Make Sauteed Zucchini
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½cuponion,diced
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- 1large zucchini,sliced ¼” thick
- 1tspdried parsley
- ¼tspdried basil
- 1cupripe tomatoes,diced, any variety
- ½tspseasoned salt
- ½tspblack pepper
- 1ozmozzarella cheese,shredded
- ½ozparmesan cheese,shredded
Instructions
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Cook onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
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Add garlic, zucchini, parsley, and basil. Cook until zucchini is tender-crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
-
Add tomato, seasoned salt & pepper. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Remove from heat, sprinkle with cheeses and cover with a lid, rest 2-3 minutes, or until cheese melts.
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Optional: Instead of covering with a lid, zucchini can be broiled to brown the cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 97.19kcal
- Fat: 6.41g
- Saturated Fat: 2.25g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.55g
- Carbohydrates: 6.68g
- Fiber: 1.75g
- Sugar: 3.97g
- Protein: 4.45g
- Cholesterol: 8.72mg
- Sodium: 356.47mg
- Calcium: 109.51mg
- Potassium: 349.23mg
- Iron: 0.62mg
- Vitamin A: 45.25µg
- Vitamin C: 21.43mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Sauteed Zucchini Delight
When sautéing the zucchini, make sure not to overcook it. The goal is to achieve a tender-crisp texture. Overcooking can make the zucchini mushy and lose its vibrant green color. To ensure this, keep the heat at medium and constantly stir the zucchini for even cooking. Also, adding the garlic after the onions have become tender prevents it from burning and becoming bitter. Lastly, when adding the cheese, remove the pan from the heat first. This allows the residual heat to gently melt the cheese without making it rubbery.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sauteed Zucchini Delight
Prep ahead: Chop and store the onion, garlic, and zucchini in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a large skillet or pan to cook the entire dish in one go, minimizing cleanup and saving time.
Quick cheese prep: Pre-shred the mozzarella and parmesan cheese to streamline the cooking process.
Efficient slicing: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the zucchini, ensuring even cooking and saving time.
Multi-task: While the zucchini is cooking, prepare the tomatoes and cheese to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Smart substitutions: Consider using pre-chopped or canned tomatoes to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like a garlic press to expedite the prep work and save valuable time.
Streamlined seasoning: Pre-mix the dried herbs and seasoned salt to create a convenient seasoning blend, saving time during cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Sauteed Zucchini Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for sautéing.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option with a slightly milder flavor.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and flavor profile to zucchini, making it a great alternative in this dish.
dried parsley - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried parsley.
dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a more pronounced and fresh flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
ripe tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute, especially when fresh ripe tomatoes are not available.
seasoned salt - Substitute with kosher salt and a pinch of paprika: This substitution allows for better control of the seasoning and eliminates the additives present in seasoned salt.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar mild and creamy flavor, making it a suitable substitute for mozzarella.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese offers a slightly sharper and saltier flavor, complementing the dish as a substitute for Parmesan.
Plating Ideas for a Delightful Zucchini Dish
Elevate the zucchini: Slice the zucchini into thin, elegant rounds to create a visually appealing base for the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and parsley over the sautéed zucchini to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Create a cheese swirl: Melt the mozzarella and parmesan cheese together and carefully drizzle it over the zucchini in an artistic, decorative pattern.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as nasturtium or borage, to add a delicate and sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Use a unique serving dish: Present the sautéed zucchini delight in a stylish, ceramic platter or a wooden board to enhance the overall visual appeal.
Add a touch of acidity: Drizzle a balsamic reduction in a circular motion around the zucchini to add a touch of acidity and create an elegant finishing touch.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the zucchini, tomatoes, and cheese in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate to create a visually stunning presentation.
Consider negative space: Utilize the empty space on the plate to create a sense of balance and sophistication, allowing the dish to stand out.
Highlight the colors: Ensure that the vibrant colors of the zucchini, tomatoes, and cheese are showcased prominently, creating an enticing visual display.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Sauteing Zucchini
- Olive oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Onions are a fundamental ingredient in many savory dishes, adding depth of flavor and aroma.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish and is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Zucchini: Zucchini is the star of this dish, providing a tender-crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Dried parsley: Dried parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous flavor to the sautéed zucchini delight.
- Dried basil: Dried basil contributes a warm, aromatic flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.
- Ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and acidity to the dish, balancing the flavors.
- Seasoned salt: Seasoned salt adds a savory, seasoned flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
- Black pepper: Black pepper provides a mild heat and earthy flavor, elevating the taste of the sautéed zucchini delight.
- Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, gooey texture and a mild, milky flavor to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty, salty flavor and a granular texture to the sautéed zucchini delight.
Preserving the Freshness of Sauteed Zucchini
- To store leftover sauteed zucchini, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, warm the zucchini in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the sauteed zucchini. Place the cooled zucchini in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen zucchini to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight.
- Note: Freezing may cause the zucchini to lose some of its texture and become slightly watery upon thawing. To minimize this, you can drain any excess liquid before reheating.
- Reheat the thawed zucchini in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- If you find the texture of the thawed zucchini too soft for your liking, you can puree it and use it as a sauce for pasta, or incorporate it into soups, stews, or casseroles for added flavor and nutrition.
Reviving Leftover Sauteed Zucchini Delight
To reheat leftover sauteed zucchini delight, the best method is to use a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan, and once hot, add the leftover zucchini mixture. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the zucchini and tomatoes.
Another option is to reheat the sauteed zucchini delight in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the zucchini to become mushy.
For a crispy twist, you can reheat the leftover sauteed zucchini delight under the broiler. Preheat the broiler and place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Top with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese, if desired. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini mixture is heated through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat the sauteed zucchini delight. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in a small, oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last minute or two of heating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the cheese to melt.
Interesting Trivia About Sauteed Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients. It contains high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.
Budget-Friendly: Sauteed Zucchini for Home Cooking
The cost-effectiveness of this sauteed zucchini delight recipe is quite high. With simple and affordable ingredients, it offers a flavorful and nutritious dish. The use of zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs keeps the cost low while providing essential nutrients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, taste, and affordability.
Is Sauteed Zucchini a Healthy Choice?
The sauteed zucchini delight recipe is a relatively healthy dish with several nutritious ingredients. Here's why:
- Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
- Onions and garlic provide prebiotics, which support gut health, and contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of certain diseases.
- Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
- Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- The recipe uses a moderate amount of cheese, which provides calcium and protein.
However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:
- Use a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese to lower the overall fat and calorie content.
- Increase the amount of zucchini and tomatoes to boost the vegetable intake and fiber content.
- Add other colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to increase the variety of nutrients.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a more potent flavor and added health benefits.
- Experiment with whole grain breadcrumbs or nuts as a topping for added fiber and healthy fats.
Our Editor's Take on This Zucchini Recipe
The sautéed zucchini delight recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the freshness of zucchini, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the richness of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. The use of garlic, parsley, and basil adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the seasoned salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste. The cooking method ensures that the zucchini retains its tender-crisp texture, and the option to broil the dish adds a lovely golden brown finish to the cheese. This recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Sauteed Zucchini Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sauteed Zucchini Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed delight for your taste buds. The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, and cheeses creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of olive oil and seasoned salt enhances the natural taste of the ingredients. The method of sautéing ensures that the zucchini retains its crispness while being perfectly cooked. The addition of garlic and onion infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. The final touch of mozzarella and parmesan cheese adds a rich and indulgent layer. Trust in this recipe for a truly satisfying culinary experience.
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