Aromatic zucchini on the grill

Grilled Zucchini: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for All Herb Lovers

When it comes to quick and healthy dishes, grilled zucchini is an excellent choice. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms young zucchinis into a savory dish, perfect as a side or even a main course. Plus, grilling adds a special touch, bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables. Let’s discover together how to prepare these aromatic zucchinis on the grill!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 2 young zucchinis
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of chili pepper (if you want a bit of spice)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

The Story of Zucchini:
Zucchini, a versatile and cherished vegetable, has been cultivated for millennia. Consumed both raw and cooked, zucchini finds its place in various dishes around the world. In this recipe, we focus on grilling, a technique that allows flavors to penetrate and adds a pleasant texture. Zucchinis are not only delicious but also very nutritious, being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Zucchini:
- Start by washing and peeling the zucchinis. Cut them into slices about 1 cm thick. These slices will allow for even and quick grilling.
- Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl.

2. Seasoning:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the zucchinis. Add 1 teaspoon of chili pepper if you like a spicy taste. The lemon zest will add a note of freshness and balance the flavors.
- Pour the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the zucchinis and mix well, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Here, the olive oil will not only add flavor but will also help achieve a beautiful crust.

3. Grilling:
- Heat a grill pan over high heat. It is essential that the pan is well heated to achieve those beautiful and tasty grill marks.
- Once the pan is ready, place the zucchini slices, being careful not to overcrowd them. Grill in batches if necessary.
- After 2-3 minutes, reduce the heat to medium and let the zucchinis cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they become golden and soft, yet still crisp. Check them occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Serving:
- Once the zucchinis are ready, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate.
- You can serve the zucchinis warm, alongside fresh yogurt or sour cream. These will bring a creamy and refreshing contrast.

Serving Suggestions:
Grilled aromatic zucchinis pair perfectly with a tomato and cucumber salad or can be served as a side with grilled fish or chicken. You can also use zucchinis as a base for a delicious sandwich or to add a splash of greenery to wraps.

Vegan Option:
If you want to turn this recipe into a vegan one, you can use soy yogurt or a tahini sauce instead of regular yogurt. This will add an extra note of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use larger zucchinis?
- While young zucchinis are best for this recipe, you can also use larger zucchinis. Just be sure to remove the seeds and cut them into thinner slices.

2. What other spices can I add?
- You can experiment with different spices, such as garlic powder, cumin, or even fresh herbs like basil or oregano, to give them a more complex flavor.

3. How many calories do grilled zucchinis contain?
- A medium zucchini has about 33 calories. Adding olive oil and spices, a serving of grilled zucchinis will contain about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Nutritional Benefits:
Zucchinis are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, making them ideal for a healthy diet. They help maintain healthy digestion and contribute to skin health.

Tips for a Perfect Result:
- Make sure the pan is very hot before adding the zucchinis. This will help achieve a crispy texture and intense flavor.
- Don’t forget to turn the zucchinis with a spatula to avoid breaking them, especially if they are thinner slices.

Grilled aromatic zucchinis represent a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be easily adapted according to personal preferences. So don’t hesitate to explore and play with flavors! Enjoy your meal!