Grilled vegetables

Delicious Grilled Potato and Zucchini Side Dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 14 minutes
Total time: 54 minutes
Number of servings: 4

This grilled potato and zucchini side dish recipe is perfect for adding a touch of flavor to any meal. Whether served alongside a juicy steak or grilled fish, these roasted vegetables will transform a simple dish into a memorable meal.

Recipe History
Grilling is a traditional cooking technique that dates back thousands of years, used to highlight the natural flavors of ingredients. Potatoes and zucchinis, two popular and versatile vegetables, are ideal for this cooking method. The aroma of olive oil and spices perfectly complements the sweet taste of zucchinis and the meaty texture of potatoes.

Ingredients
- 5 medium potatoes (preferably white or yellow for a sweeter taste)
- 2 large zucchinis (choose young zucchinis for a more tender texture)
- 4-5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (for an intense and healthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (smoked for an extra flavor boost)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or fresh if available)
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (or fresh for a more intense flavor)
- Juice from half a lemon (to add a touch of freshness)

Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the potatoes and zucchinis well. It is important to remove any impurities as they can affect the taste of the dish. Cut the potatoes into slices about 1 cm thick and the zucchinis into slices of 0.5-1 cm. The zucchini slices should be thinner to cook faster.

2. Seasoning
In a large bowl, add the potato and zucchini slices. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, basil, and rosemary. Mix well to ensure all slices are evenly coated with the spices. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to penetrate the vegetables.

3. Marinating
Let the vegetables sit for 30 minutes. This marination will not only enhance the flavors but also help achieve a more pleasant texture, as the salt will begin to draw moisture from the vegetables, concentrating their taste.

4. Grilling
Preheat the grill to medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, make sure it is well heated. Place the potato slices on the grill and let them cook for 7 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. The zucchinis cook faster, so leave them for only 3-4 minutes on each side.

5. Finishing
Once the vegetables are nicely browned, remove them from the grill and drizzle with lemon juice. This will add a fresh taste and balance the sweetness of the vegetables. You can serve them immediately as a side dish alongside any main course.

Serving Suggestions
This grilled potato and zucchini side dish pairs perfectly with meat steaks, fish, or even vegetarian dishes like veggie burgers. You can also serve it alongside tzatziki sauce or a fresh green salad for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Possible Variations
To add extra flavor, you can experiment with other spices like oregano, thyme, or even chili for a spicy kick. You can also add sliced red onion or bell pepper to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional Information
This side dish is not only delicious but also healthy. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while zucchinis provide a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, being low in calories. A 200g serving of this side dish contains approximately 180 calories, making it a good choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe can be successfully adapted by adding bell peppers, eggplants, or carrots.

2. How can I store the cooked vegetables?
If you have leftovers, you can store the vegetables in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the vegetables in the oven at 200°C for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.

Thus, with this simple grilled potato and zucchini side dish recipe, you can impress your family and friends, bringing joy and flavor to your table. Cooking becomes not just a necessity but a pleasure! Enjoy your meal!