It's starting to feel like the "week of parmesan". Nevertheless, I'm constantly seeking new ways to transform a vegetable into something that the kids will eat. Barefoot Contessa (you'll learn that she's my favorite - my friend, Carol, and I stood in line for 2 1/2 hours to get her autograph on her new cookbook. I know but she's as darling in person (10 seconds) as on tv and in her books.) Anyways, she has a Zucchini Gratin recipe that I make often because the parmesan creates a crispy crust on the zucchini so I'm banking on the fact that maybe the kids will think the zucchini is fried.
Here's the link to Ina's original recipe. I've adapted it slightly and use onion powder because the kids are going to turn up noses at real, chopped-up onion pieces.
 |
| Zucchini with Parmesan |
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 T olive oil
- 1 T onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cut the ends off the zucchini. Slice into coins (about ½ inch thick) or you can cut into half moons. Pour the olive oil into the sauté pan over medium heat; add the onion powder. Add the zucchini slices and cook until they start to brown and soften (add salt and pepper to taste). Once cooked through, sprinkle the parmesan on top and serve once the cheese has melted (about 30 seconds).
(Note: some readers have left some helpful ideas in the comments section about alternative ways to make the zucchini and entree pairings. Be sure to check them out -- and post your ideas too!)
(Note: some readers have left some helpful ideas in the comments section about alternative ways to make the zucchini and entree pairings. Be sure to check them out -- and post your ideas too!)
3 comments:
Hi Anne! I do zucchini similar to this. I give it a dash of thyme when the zucchini goes in the pan, and then add squirt of lemon at the end. I put it under the broiler to melt the cheese so the veggies don't get too soft. I don't care for the taste of onion powder, but often use shallots in place of onions. The milder flavor appeases both my taste buds and the little ones. Also, I mix summer squash and zucchini to add color.
I completely forgot about this recipe. Thanks for the post. This was a perfect side to manicotti tonight. The kids actually liked it better than the manicotti (they gave two thumbs down on the ricotta cheese). Fast, easy and something green on the plate.
I am always looking for ways to make vegetables delicious! I can't wait to try this!
Post a Comment