Quick Zucchini With Toasted Almonds And Pecorino Food

ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH PECORINO, BASIL AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together the oil, shallot, capers, caper brine, lemon zest, lemon juice and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut each squash into 2-inch segments. Slice the segments lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slabs, then slice those slabs lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick batons. Add to a large bowl.
• Just before serving, season the zucchini with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Stir in the cheese, herbs and dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the almonds and serve immediately.

FRIED ZUCCHINI WITH PECORINO AND HOT PEPPER

Steps:

• Pour oil to a depth of 1 inch in a wide frying pan and heat to 375 degrees.
• Put flour in a pie plate, season generously with salt and pepper and add a pinch of cayenne. Combine lightly beaten egg and milk. Working in batches, dip zucchini slices lightly in seasoned flour, then in egg mixture, then once more in flour. Carefully slip them into hot oil, without crowding. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels, then transfer to a warm platter. Salt lightly.
• In a small bowl, mix together parsley, garlic and lemon zest. Sprinkle a little of the mixture over fried zucchini, then sprinkle lightly with grated cheese and red pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

TOASTED ALMOND AND PECORINO SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Coarsely chop nuts in processor. Add next 6 ingredients. Blend until mixture forms coarse paste. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.)
• Divide almond paste among half of bread slices; spread to cover. Top with cheese. Sprinkle with pepper. Cover with remaining bread slices. Brush tops with oil.
• Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Add 3 sandwiches, oiled side down, to each skillet. Cook until bread is crusty on bottom, about 6 minutes. Brush tops with oil. Turn sandwiches over. Cook until brown and crusty on bottom, pressing to compact, about 6 minutes.

QUICK SAUTE OF ZUCCHINI WITH TOASTED ALMONDS AND PECORINO

Steps:

• Slice the zucchini lengthwise 1/8th inch thick, then slice again to resemble matchsticks.
• Divide the oil between two large, heavy-bottomed skillets and heat over high heat. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, add half of the almonds to each skillet.
• When the almonds are golden brown and toasted (approx. 30 seconds), add half the zucchini to each pan and toss to coat zucchini with the hot oil. (You just want to warm the zucchini, not cook it.).
• Season with salt and pepper. Return to heat for about 30 seconds to warm through.
• Divide almonds and zucchini between four warmed plates and top with the sheets of pecorino.
• Serve while still nice and hot.

QUICK ZUCCHINI SIDE DISH WITH TOASTED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a pan and add almonds. Cook and stir until almonds start to brown slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add zucchini and toss with olive oil and almonds. Cook briefly until zucchini are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

QUICK ZUCCHINI SIDE DISH WITH TOASTED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a pan and add almonds. Cook and stir until almonds start to brown slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add zucchini and toss with olive oil and almonds. Cook briefly until zucchini are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

QUICK ZUCCHINI WITH TOASTED ALMONDS AND PECORINO

Steps:

• The key to this dish is cooking with high heat, don't add too much zucchini at once or it will steam and mush. Use 2 pans dividing the ingredients to keep the heat even. Heat 2 heavy bottomed skillets, add oil. When hot but not smoking add the almonds. Cook, stirring, until golden brown, approx. 30 sec. Add half the zucchini to each pan, toss or stir a few seconds. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 30 sec. Divide the zucchini on plates, add pecorino on top and serve immediately.

TOASTED ALMOND AND PECORINO SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Coarsely chop nuts in processor. Add next 6 ingredients. Blend until mixture forms coarse paste. (This can be made 3 days ahead.) Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.
• Divide almond paste among half of bread slices; spread to cover. Top with cheese. Sprinkle with pepper. Cover with remaining bread slices. Brush tops with oil.
• Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Add 3 sandwiches, oiled side down, to each skillet. Cook until bread is crusty on bottom, about 6 minutes. Brush tops with oil. Turn sandwiches over. Cook until brown and crusty on bottom, pressing to compact, about 6 minutes.