Zucchini italiano, a versatile summer squash with a mild flavor and tender texture, is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, from sautéing or grilling to baking or stuffing. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy side dish or an impressive main course, zucchini italiano has something to offer every palate. Its mild flavor makes it a great choice for pairing with bold flavors, such as garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. In this article, we will provide you with a collection of the best zucchini italiano recipes that are sure to become favorites in your kitchen.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HAM & ZUCCHINI ITALIANO
I strongly believe dinner should be three things: healthy, delicious and simple. With fresh zucchini, ham and marinara sauce baked with mozzarella, you can accomplish all three in the time it takes to describe the dish to a grateful family. -Madison Mayberry, Ames, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450°. In a large skillet, saute zucchini in oil until crisp-tender. Sprinkle with basil, salt and pepper., Place half of the zucchini in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Layer with half of the ham, marinara sauce and cheese. Repeat layers., Bake, uncovered, 10-12 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 1013mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 17g protein.
ZUCCHINI ITALIANO
When zucchini is plentiful in my garden, I slice and parboil it, then freeze it in 4-cup containers for recipes like this. It saves time-and lets us enjoy fresh zucchini year-round.-Sandy Robideau, Eureka, Montana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook zucchini in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes or until almost tender. Drain well; set aside. , In a large skillet, cook the beef, garlic and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. , In a small bowl, combine egg and cottage cheese. Layer half of the zucchini slices in a greased 8-in. square baking dish, overlapping slices if needed. Spoon meat mixture over zucchini; dollop cottage cheese mixture over meat. Top with remaining zucchini slices. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle cheddar cheese around edges; bake 2 to 3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 366 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 130mg cholesterol, Sodium 836mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 31g protein.
ZUCCHINI ITALIANO
Substituting italian sausage for ground beef is an even tastier way to prepare this!
Provided by Angela Hardesty
Categories Beef
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 375
- 2. Trim ends of zukes and cut in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out centers leaving 1/4" thick shells.
- 3. Chop pulp (about 1 cup) and reserve. Brown the beef and drain fat. Stir in reserved pulp, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, salt and pepper, egg, and 1/2 c of marinara.
- 4. Place zucchini shells in a shallow baking pan. Spoon meat mixture into the shells. Pour remaining marinara over and around the zukes. Cover and bake until shells are tender; 30-35 mins.
- 5. Pull from oven and sprinkle with mozarella cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese melts.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Select firm and medium-sized zucchini for best results.
- Slice Properly: Cut zucchini into uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme elevate the flavor of zucchini dishes.
- Don't Overcook: Zucchini cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it to retain its texture.
- Experiment with Different Cooking Methods: Try various cooking methods like sautéing, grilling, roasting, or stir-frying to explore different flavors and textures.
- Add Aromatics: Aromatics like garlic, onion, and shallots add depth to zucchini dishes.
- Don't Forget the Cheese: Cheese, especially Parmesan or ricotta, enhances the flavor and richness of zucchini dishes.
- Serve with a Variety of Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like marinara, tzatziki, or aioli to complement zucchini appetizers.
Conclusion:
Zucchini's versatility makes it a popular ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. From simple sautéed zucchini to stuffed zucchini blossoms, this summer squash shines in a multitude of dishes. Its mild flavor allows it to pair well with various ingredients, making it a perfect choice for appetizers, main courses, and side dishes. Experiment with different cooking techniques, herbs, and spices to discover the endless possibilities of zucchini. Whether you prefer the classic Italian zucchini fritters or a refreshing zucchini salad, this versatile vegetable promises a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite. So, embrace the bounty of zucchini season and let your culinary creativity flourish!
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