The larger the zucchini, the more water it contains. Prior to cooking, get rid of this excess water by grating the zucchini, wrapping it in a clean dish towel or paper towel, and giving it a squeeze.
1. In a soup
Zucchini is delicious in soups, like the one below, with Parmesan and pistachios. You can also find the vegetable’s mildness in a creamy soup or one with chickpeas. For a refreshing option, enjoy it cold in a vichyssoise. With a slice of country bread on the side, you can’t go wrong!
SOUPS AND BROTHS
Zucchini, Parmesan and Pistachio Soup
2. In a condiment
The large zucchinis forgotten in the garden are perfect in a condiment that’ll liven up the taste of any dish. Ricardo uses the ones in his garden to make our green zucchini relish. It’s the perfect final touch in burgers or hot dogs! The vegetable also works well in a salsa that pairs perfectly with fish and chicken.
3. In a sheet-pan recipe
Zucchini is the versatile ingredient par excellence and has a place in many dishes that require a short cooking time in the oven. Its mild flavour and adaptability allows it to be enjoyed stuffed, in a French tian, on a pizza or baked in the oven with vegetables and cheese curds. There are so many ways to use up your gourd harvest!
WEEKDAY RECIPES
Sausage, Vegetable and Cheese Sheet-Pan
Despite the many recipes that can include zucchini, are you still unable to get through your entire bumper crop? Grate the vegetable without wringing out the water and freeze it to cook at a later date. You can even offer some to your neighbours and friends, and perhaps get a friendly zucchini cook-off going.
4. In a loaf
Whether it’s sweet with dates or savoury with feta and olives, zucchini bread is a classic that never goes out of style. The vegetable forms a winning pair with chocolate and doesn’t take second place in these lime muffins, where it both brings a tenderness and lightens the batter. The cake won’t dry up and that’s the way it should be.
MUFFINS AND DESSERT BREADS
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
5. In a bite
For seasonal hors d’oeuvres, you can grate, julienne or simply mix zucchini in some dough for a light result. It’s sublime as a bruschetta topping, just as it is delicious in a mint fritter, as well as in beef puff pastries. You won’t be lacking in ideas, that’s for sure.
HORS D'OEUVRES
Zucchini and Mint Fritters
Cooking an abundance of zucchini is about finding quick and fuss-free meal ideas so as to not waste a thing. That’s why you can add it to a chutney or a plate of grilled veggies without growing tired of it. Happy harvest!