With gardening season just around the corner I couldn't help but start to think of all the fun recipes I'll be making here soon with fresh produce. If you're any bit familiar with gardening then you know that zucchini plants are one of the first to start producing it's fruit. Not only that, but it seems like every year these plants just go crazy and you end up having more zucchini than you know what to do with!
Zucchini is such a great vegetable to include in our regular diets. Did you know that it has multiple great health benefits? (Can you imagine, something straight from Mother Earth being healthy?? Haha.) But seriously, zucchini is a great vegetable that is low in calories, high in water, low in carbohydrates, high in vitamins C and B6, and also contains high levels of antioxidants that are present in phytonutrients!
As you may have noticed by now, they're also big in the food industry for being quite versatile in ways of use. Zucchini noodles, zucchini breads, zucchini boats are just a few examples of ways that we have transformed this veggie into something more exciting! But let's be honest, sometimes you just want a quick yummy recipe that takes seconds to throw together while simultaneously using up ALL of your zucchini so you don't have to worry about it taking up any more space in your fridge. Here are my top 3 favorite ways to cook zucchini that take minutes to prep and cook! Remember, it doesn't have to be glamorous to be delicious. Simple almost always trumps in my book!
Recipe #1
Sauteed Zucchini
1 zucchini sliced into bite size pieces
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
In a frying pan add oil and bring it to medium heat. Once hot add zucchini. Stir every 3 minutes or so until all sides are golden or slightly "burned" (approximately 10 minutes). Turn off heat and season with seasonings!
Recipe #2
Egg Dipped Zucchini
1 zucchini sliced into 1/4" rounds
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 egg whisked
salt and pepper to taste
In a medium sized frying pan coat in olive oil and turn on to low heat. In a separate bowl, whisk egg together until smooth. Dip each slice of zucchini into egg mixture until even coated and place on frying pan (like you would if you were making french toast). Season the tops with salt and pepper. After about 3 minutes turn over zucchini slices and cook the other side until egg is completely cooked.
Recipe #3
Parmesan Zucchini
1 zucchini sliced into 1/4" rounds
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
In a medium sized frying pan coat in olive oil and turn on to low heat. Place zucchini in the pan and sprinkle parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper on the top. Cook for about 3-4 minutes (or until cheese has melted) before turning over and cooking for about 2 more minutes, or until cheese is crispy.
Now that you've got 3 deliciously simple zucchini recipes I want you to try one out and let me know what you think! Tag me using @nutri_vation !!!
If you're wanting to learn more about the power of our food and how it effects your body in so many different ways join my 4 week Intro to Learning Nutrition course where you will be guided through how to make the best food choices to help your body and mind heal!
As always, don't be afraid to reach out if you have any questions!
Happy cooking!
Love,
Danielle
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