Zucchini Romano Food

ZUCCHINI ALLA ROMANA

Steps:

• In a large skillet heat the oil.
• Cook whole garlic cloves in hot oil until lightly brown, then discard the garlic.
• Add zucchini, dried mint (if using), salt and pepper to oil in skillet.
• Stirring occasionally, cook, uncovered, over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the zucchini is crisp-tender.
• To serve, sprinkle with cheese and fresh mint (if using).

GRILLED ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH LEMON-HERB VINAIGRETTE AND SHAVED ROMANO AND TOASTED PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Heat the grill to high heat. Brush the zucchini on both sides with canola oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill for just about 1 minute per side (until slightly charred and wilted), then remove them to a platter.
• Whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, to taste, and salt and pepper, to taste, and parsley in a small bowl. Slowly, whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the zucchini and let it marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature. Top with shaved cheese, pine nuts, parsley and mint leaves.

ZUCCHINI GRATINE / GRATIN (VERDURE AL FORNO)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Coat bottom of 9X13" baking dish with EVOO. Arrange zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Okay if zucchini slices overlap.
• Evenly pour 1/3 cup heavy cream and sprinkle with 1/3 cup mozzarella, 1/3 cup Fontina, and 2 tablespoons of Romano. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of bread crumbs. Repeat layers.
• My own variation: Giada dotted bread crumb topping with cold butter. I suggest: Melt 4 tablespoons butter and blend with last 1/3 cup of bread crumbs to sprinkle over top of gratine. I don't like plain dry bread crumb toppings and I think the top will brown and crisp up much better this way.
• Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place gratine on top and place in oven. Bake for 40 minutes or until bubbling and top is golden brown.

FETTUCCINE WITH WALNUTS, ZUCCHINI RIBBONS, AND PECORINO ROMANO

Steps:

• Place 1 zucchini on work surface. Using vegetable peeler and firmly holding zucchini by stem end, shave zucchini lengthwise into long ribbons. Discard scraps. Repeat with remaining zucchini. Place ribbons (about 10 cups total) in large colander set over large bowl; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon fleur de sel. Let stand 30 minutes. Rinse zucchini under cold running water; drain well. Spread on 2 large kitchen towels; roll up in towels to absorb excess water. Set aside.
• Combine garlic, anchovy fillets, and crushed red pepper in very large serving bowl. Using pestle or wooden spoon, crush mixture until paste forms.
• Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Transfer pasta to bowl with garlic mixture. Add 1/3 cup oil and 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid; toss. Add zucchini, walnuts, 1/2 cup cheese, basil, and mint; toss. Season with salt and pepper, adding more pasta cooking liquid if mixture is dry. Drizzle with additional oil. Sprinkle with zucchini flowers, if desired. Serve with remaining cheese.

EASY AND GOOD ZUCCHINI AND PEPPER SAUTE

Steps:

• In a large skillet heat oil and butter.
• Saute the onions and garlic until tender.
• Add in zucchini, both peppers and corn; saute for about 4-5 minutes or until the zucchini and peppers are JUST tender but not mushy.
• Add in grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and salt and pepper to taste; mix to combine.