Rice Noodles With Zucchini Tomatoes And Fresh Mint Food

RICE NOODLES WITH ZUCCHINI, TOMATOES AND FRESH MINT

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, place the rice sticks in a large bowl, and cover with hot water. Let sit 20 minutes, until pliable. Drain and cut the noodles in half, into roughly 6- to 8-inch lengths, with kitchen scissors.
• While the rice sticks are soaking, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet, and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds, and add the zucchini. Cook, stirring, until the zucchini begins to soften and the skin becomes bright green, about three minutes. Add the tomatoes with juice and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring often, for 6 to 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the tomatoes have begun to break down. Remove from the heat, taste and adjust seasonings, and set aside.
• When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the rice sticks. Boil one minute and drain. Toss with the zucchini and tomato mixture, the remaining olive oil and the mint. Serve, passing the cheese for people to sprinkle on at the table.

RICE WITH ZUCCHINI AND RED PEPPER

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan, then add the onions, garlic, zucchini and red peppers. Stir until wilted.
• Add the rice and stir to blend. Cook briefly. Add the thyme, bay leaf, coriander, chicken broth and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, stirring, and cover tightly. Simmer for 17 minutes.
• Uncover, remove the sprig of thyme and the bay leaf. Stir with a fork to fluff lightly.

PASTA WITH ZUCCHINI AND MINT

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy nonstick skillet, and add the zucchini. Cook, stirring or shaking the pan, until the zucchini is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the sugar, and stir in the vinegar, lemon zest and mint. Remove from the heat, and keep warm while you cook the pasta.
• When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the pasta. Cook al dente, following the timing instructions on the package. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to the zucchini, then drain the pasta and toss with the zucchini. Serve, passing the cheese at the table for sprinkling.