Gluten Free Cornmeal Crusted Zucchini Food

GLUTEN FREE CORNMEAL-CRUSTED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Prepare two small bowls, one containing the beaten eggs or milk, and the other containing the stirred mixture of cornmeal and sugar. Slice the zucchini and dip each slice into the eggs, one at a time, then dredge through the cornmeal mixture. Lay each coated slice into the hot oil and fry just until each side is lightly browned and crispy, flipping to fry each side (this process should only take 2-3 minutes). Keep the oil hot, but be careful that it does not overheat and burn the batter. The idea is to fry quickly at high heat so that the batter does not simply absorb the oil and become mushy. Add oil as needed, and replace the oil entirely if it becomes browned during the process. Remove the fried slices to a paper towel-lined plate to cool while finishing the remaining slices. Serve warm.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CHICKEN CUTLETS WITH ZUCCHINI RIBBON SALAD

Steps:

• Trim tops off zucchini. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, thinly slice lengthwise into wide ribbons; set aside.
• Whisk cornmeal, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and 1 tsp. salt in a wide shallow bowl. Whisk eggs, 1 Tbsp. mustard, and 2 Tbsp. water in another wide shallow bowl.
• Season cutlets on both sides with 1/2 tsp. salt. Dip each in egg mixture, letting excess drip back into bowl, then in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Working in 2 batches and adding more oil if needed, cook cutlets, shaking pan occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.
• Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper, and remaining 1 tsp. mustard and 1/8 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Add reserved zucchini ribbons and toss gently with your hands until ribbons are evenly coated with dressing. Add mint, cashews, and ricotta salata and toss just to combine.
• Transfer cutlets to a platter. Serve with zucchini salad alongside.

FRIED ZUCCHINI COINS

Steps:

• Line a dish with paper towels and set aside. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, basil, salt, cayenne, and pepper in a bowl.
• Beat the eggs in another bowl.
• Heat 1/4-inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
• Working in small batches, toss the zucchini coins in the eggs, then coat in the cornmeal mixture to cover completely. Carefully drop the zucchini into the oil, and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side or until crisp. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared plate. Season with salt, cool slightly and serve.
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