Baked Zucchini With Mint Garlic Food

ZUCCHINE SOTT'OLIO (ZUCCHINI PRESERVED IN OIL WITH HOT PEPPERS, GARLIC, AND MINT)

Steps:

• Cut the zucchini crosswise into 3-inch (8-centimeter) pieces. Cut each piece in half lengthwise, then cut out all the seeds and spongy pulp from the center. Slice each section crosswise 3?16 inch (41/2 millimeters) thick. (A mandoline or other manual vegetable slicer is helpful for this.)
• Make layers of sliced zucchini and salt in a large bowl, then toss well. Macerate for 12 hours to draw the water out of the zucchini. Drain the zucchini, then squeeze a handful at a time to remove excess water.
• Place the zucchini in a heavy nonreactive pot and add the vinegar and 1 cup (250 milliliters) water. The liquid should barely cover the zucchini.
• Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir to redistribute the zucchini, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the zucchini slices are cooked through but still whole, about 5 minutes. Do not allow them to break apart. Smaller zucchini will take less time.
• Drain the zucchini and put them in a large colander. Top them with a heavy weight, such as a pot filled with water, to squeeze out the liquid. Let the zucchini drain under the weight for 15 minutes.
• Lay several clean kitchen towels on a table covered with cardboard. Arrange the zucchini slices on the towels, spreading the slices apart. Let dry at room temperature until they feel a little leathery and are no longer damp, 24 to 48 hours. They will shrivel considerably.
• Place the zucchini in a bowl and toss with the mint, garlic, hot peppers, and the 1/2 cup (125 milliliters) olive oil. Taste for salt and let the mixture marinate at room temperature for a day.
• Transfer the zucchini to a 1-pint (1/2-liter) glass jar. Pack them in tightly, pushing them down with a fork or spoon to remove any air gaps. Top with olive oil so they are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 weeks before sampling to give the zucchini time to absorb the seasonings.
• Bring them out of the refrigerator about an hour before you plan to serve them to allow the oil to liquefy. Return any leftover zucchini to the refrigerator, topping with oil so the zucchini remain completely submerged. If kept submerged in olive oil and refrigerated, the zucchini will last for up to 6 months.

BAKED ZUCCHINI WITH MINT & GARLIC

Steps:

• Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the soft seeds inside. Sprinkle the zucchini halves lightly with salt then put them on a wooden board, cut side down for 20 minutes. This will let some of the liquid drain away.
• Heat the oven to 350°F Put the herbs in a bowl with the garlic, breadcrumbs and cheese. Add half the oil while mixing with a fork and season.
• Oil a shallow baking dish large enough to hold all the zucchini halves in a single layer. Wipe down the zucchini to remove the excess liquid and lay them in a dish cut-side up. Spoon a little of the herb mixture over each half, and drizzle a little oil over the halves.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the zucchini are tender and crisp on top (another 10-20 minutes depending on size).
• Drizzle the zucchini with a little oil as they come out of the oven. Serve warm or at room temperature.

ZUCCHINI WITH VINEGAR, MINT AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut them lengthwise in slices about 1/3 inch thick. Arrange them side by side on a baking sheet lined with foil and brushed with oil. Brush the slices generously with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
• Cook under a preheated broiler until lightly browned, then turn over and brush the other side with oil and return to the broiler until browned.
• Mix the vinegar with the mint and garlic and brush a little onto each slice. Serve at room temperature.
• Instead of using raw garlic, heat it in 2 tablespoons oil in a small frying pan until the aroma rises, but do not let it color.
• Serve the grilled slices topped with strained Greek-style yogurt.

MARINATED ZUCCHINI WITH MINT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees. On two large rimmed baking sheets, toss zucchini with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast until zucchini are tender and undersides are browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
• On a serving plate, sprinkle zucchini with minced garlic and drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and white-wine vinegar. Let stand 1 hour (or refrigerate, up to overnight; bring to room temperature before serving). To serve, sprinkle with torn mint leaves.