Zucchini is not only easy to grow, but there are so many different ways to use this summertime squash. Personally, I love zucchini steamed with a bit of salt and spices, but I also love to serve this vegetable in a variety of recipes. If you'd like to enjoy zucchini in new recipes, you're in luck. Whether you are interested in stir-fry or sweets, you will love these suggestions. Here are just five delicious ways to serve up zucchini this summer.
Spicy Stir-Fry
One of my favorite things to order when visiting a Mongolian grill is stir-fry with zucchini, chicken breast, mushrooms and green onions with a spicy sauce. This is something you could easily make at home. All you need to do is thinly slice the meat and vegetables. Start with stir-frying the meat and then add the vegetables until both are cooked through. Toss the mixture with garlic infused oil, red pepper flakes, a bit of chili sauce and some soy sauce, heat through and serve.
Garlic Garden Pasta
If you're interested in something Italian, try sauteing zucchini, grape tomatoes and garlic in olive oil until cooked through. Toss the mixture with hot pasta and serve with garlic bread. It's delicious and healthy. It's even good served cold as a pasta salad.
Nachos
One of my favorite recipes growing up was a nacho recipe that was made with vegetables. In a large skillet, you saute zucchini and onions until cooked through. Then you added a can of chili beans and enchilada sauce, stir and sprinkle with cheese. Cover until the cheese melts and serve over warm tortilla chips. You can also add sour cream, green onions and salsa before serving.
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
Something really popular in the South is fried zucchini blossoms. The flower that blooms on the zucchini plant is washed and thoroughly dried before being dipped in seasoned flour, then seasoned egg wash and back in flour. The blossoms are fried in 350 degree oil until golden brown.
Zucchini Bread
Last, but not least, zucchini bread is a wonderful way to serve zucchini so that it tastes like a treat. All you need is to substitute shredded zucchini into your favorite sweet bread recipe, such as a banana bread. Some people also like to frost the bread with cream cheese icing once it's cooled.
Zucchini doesn't have to be a boring vegetable. There are a number of delicious ways to serve zucchini so that you get the most out of this summer vegetable.
