Basil Zucchini Toast Food

CREAMED ZUCCHINI WITH GARLIC & BASIL

Steps:

• Grate the zucchini by hand with a box grater or in a food processor fitted with the shredding disk. Wrap the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much excess water as possible. Repeat a few times, replacing the towel if necessary.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded zucchini and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the zucchini is tender, about 6 minutes. Turn the heat down to low; add the heavy cream, salt, pepper and basil and simmer until the cream is absorbed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm.
• Make Ahead Instructions: The whole recipe ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate. You can reheat it in the microwave right before serving.

ZUCCHINI AND BASIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, thyme, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add the zucchini, bring back to a simmer and cook until tender, about 10 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the thyme and let cool at least 5 minutes. Stir the basil into the soup and carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill the blender more than halfway full).
• Reheat the soup if necessary, adjusting the consistency and seasoning with additional water, salt and pepper.
• Serve hot and garnish with a sprinkle of almonds, basil leaves and a drizzle of oil.

BASIL ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium non-stick skillet.
• Stir fry the zucchini until it is just tender.
• Add the basil and garlic near the end of the cooking time.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

ZUCCHINI BREAD FRENCH TOAST WITH BASIL MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• For the basil maple syrup: In a saucepan, bring the maple syrup and basil leaves to a simmer. Set aside to steep for 5 minutes, and then strain out the basil leaves.
• For the French toast: Whisk together the cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract and eggs in a bowl and pour into a shallow baking dish. Add the zucchini bread slices and allow to sit for 30 seconds on each side.
• Heat the butter in a large pan or griddle until it begins to froth. Add the zucchini bread slices and cook until browned and caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
• Divide the French toast among plates and top with confectioners' sugar. Serve with the warm basil maple syrup.

BASIL ZUCCHINI TOAST

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°.
• Remove the crusts from the bread and press the slices into the cups of a muffin pan. Brush well with melted butter.
• Beat the eggs well in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the milk. Add the onion, zucchini, cheese, breadcrumbs basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
• Carefully spoon the egg mixture into the bread cases. Sprinkle with the paprika and Parmesan cheese. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes OR until set and golden. Keep a close eye on it.
• Turn off the oven, but leave the toasts to cool for 10 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish each with a fresh basil leaf before serving.

ONE-POT ZUCCHINI-BASIL PASTA

Steps:

• In a large, deep 12-inch skillet, bring stock to a boil over high heat. Once stock boils, stir in pasta, zucchini, mascarpone, garlic and half the basil; season generously with salt and pepper and reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and liquid is reduced until thickened and creamy, 12 to 13 minutes, adding a splash of water during the last few minutes of cooking if needed to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, prepare the gremolata: Chop almonds and parsley with remaining basil until finely chopped and combined; season with salt and pepper.
• Divide pasta among shallow bowls. Sprinkle with gremolata and serve immediately.

BASIL ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy medium nonstick skillet. Add zucchini, 1 tablespoon basil and garlic and stir-fry until zucchini is just tender, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with remaining basil.