Grilled zucchini with garlic sauce

Grilled Zucchini with Garlic Sauce - a simple, delicious, and healthy recipe for warm days

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

When it comes to summer dishes, nothing compares to the flavor and freshness of vegetables cooked on the grill. Grilled zucchini with garlic sauce is a true delight, easy to prepare, and perfect to serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a vegetarian main course. This simple recipe can be adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand, and adding mushrooms will give it an even richer flavor.

A little history

Zucchini, a vegetable native to the Americas, has quickly conquered kitchens around the world due to its versatility. Grilling is a cooking technique that has been used since ancient times, often associated with outdoor meals, parties, and social gatherings. This dish combines the tradition of grilling with the unmistakable flavor of garlic sauce, paying tribute to simple yet characterful flavors.

Necessary ingredients

- 3 medium zucchinis (choose fresh zucchinis with smooth, shiny skin)
- 1 head of garlic (or more if you are a garlic lover)
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is ideal)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 200 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster mushrooms)

Useful tips for ingredients

To achieve the best results, choose medium-sized zucchinis, as they are more tender and have fewer seeds. If you have larger zucchinis, you can slice them lengthwise to make them easier to cook. Garlic, the perfect choice for adding intense flavor to the dish, can be used both fresh and lightly roasted to reduce its intensity. Fresh parsley will add a note of freshness and color, as well as a slight bitterness that will balance the sweetness of the zucchinis.

If you want to add mushrooms, make sure they are clean and sliced thinly for even cooking. Mushrooms can add texture and flavor, transforming the dish into a main course that will impress any guest.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the vegetables
- Wash the zucchinis under cold running water and dry them with a kitchen towel. Cut them into thin slices, about 0.5 cm thick. A sharp knife will help you achieve even cuts.
- If you choose to use mushrooms, clean them and slice them thinly.

2. Preparing the garlic sauce
- Peel the head of garlic and grate the garlic using a small grater or a garlic press. Mix the garlic with the olive oil and add salt to taste. Finely chop the parsley and add it to the garlic sauce, mixing well.

3. Heating the grill
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, make sure it is ready to be ashy and no longer flaming.

4. Grilling the zucchinis and mushrooms
- Brush each slice of zucchini (and mushrooms, if using) with the prepared garlic sauce, making sure to coat them evenly. Place the zucchini slices on the grill, leaving some space between them to allow for air circulation. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until nice grill marks form and the zucchinis become tender.

5. Serving the dish
- Once the zucchinis and mushrooms are ready, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. You can drizzle them with a bit of extra olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Serving suggestions

Grilled zucchini with garlic sauce can be served warm, alongside a fresh tomato and feta cheese salad, or as a side for grilled meat. They can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding extra flavor and substance.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other vegetables on the grill?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, eggplants, and onions are excellent for grilling and can be combined with zucchinis for a varied meal.

2. What other spices can I add to the garlic sauce?
Olive oil can be enriched with a few drops of lemon juice for a fresher taste or with herbs like oregano or thyme.

3. How can I store leftover zucchinis?
You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best to consume them fresh.

Nutritional benefits

Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals, low in calories and high in water content, making it ideal for a healthy diet. Garlic, in addition to its unmistakable aroma, helps strengthen the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Possible variations

- Zucchini with cheese: Add feta or grated parmesan cheese on top of the zucchinis a few minutes before removing them from the grill.
- Yogurt sauce: Try replacing the garlic sauce with a Greek yogurt sauce with dill for a lighter and refreshing option.
- Stuffed zucchinis: Cut the zucchinis lengthwise and fill them with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices, then grill them.

These grilled zucchinis with garlic sauce are a perfect choice to add a touch of health and flavor to your meals. Feel free to experiment and discover your own variations, turning this simple recipe into a memorable dish! Enjoy!