Zucchini with an Asian twist

Asian-Style Zucchini – a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for warm days or a light and healthy dinner. This recipe is not only quick and accessible but also extremely versatile, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore Eastern flavors. Additionally, it's a vegan dish, so you can enjoy every bite without worries, knowing you're eating healthy.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-3

Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini
- 3 cloves of garlic
- A small piece of ginger (about 2-3 cm)
- 1 small carrot
- 5 tablespoons of oil (preferably sesame oil or sunflower oil)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice
- 1 teaspoon of fructose or sugar (optional, to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the zucchini and carrot well. Cut the zucchini into sticks about 1 cm wide. This will help the zucchini cook evenly and quickly. Cut the carrot into thin slices or sticks, and finely chop the garlic and ginger. If you are not familiar with fresh ginger, it adds a rich flavor and a slight spiciness to the dish.

2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the 5 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Sesame oil gives a more authentic taste, but you can also use sunflower oil if you don't have anything else on hand. Wait a few seconds until the oil becomes hot, but don't let it smoke.

3. Sauté the garlic and ginger: Add the chopped garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they start to release their aromas. Be careful not to burn them, as they can become bitter.

4. Add the carrot: Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, add the cut carrot. Mix well and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly softer.

5. Deglaze with soy sauce: Pour the soy sauce into the skillet. This will give the dish a delicious umami flavor. Mix well and let it simmer for 1 minute.

6. Include the zucchini: Add the zucchini sticks to the skillet. They will release juice during cooking, so there is no need to add water. Mix everything well and let it simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender but not overcooked – you want it to remain slightly crunchy.

7. Add the tomatoes: Once the zucchini is cooked, add the can of diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so that the flavors meld. If you want to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes, now is the time to add the teaspoon of fructose or sugar. Try tasting before adding salt, as the soy sauce may already bring enough salt to the dish.

8. Serve: Once everything is well combined and cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish cool slightly. You can serve it immediately on a bed of cooked rice or with noodles for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish with a few slices of green onion or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Practical tips:
- Vegetarian option: You can add cubed tofu to make this dish even heartier.
- Extra flavoring: If you like spicy food, add a few slices of chili pepper to the skillet along with the garlic and ginger.
- Store leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge and is delicious the next day, especially if you give it a bit of warmth before serving.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This Asian-style zucchini recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Zucchini is rich in vitamins A and C, while the carrot adds a boost of beta-carotene. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and garlic is a superfood that supports the immune system. A serving contains about 200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli, depending on your preferences.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or green tea are excellent choices that complement the Asian flavors of the dish.
- Can it be frozen? While we recommend consuming it fresh to maintain the texture, you can freeze the dish, but the zucchini will lose its crunchiness.

This Asian-style zucchini is a dish that brings joy and health to your table. It is simple to prepare, full of flavors, and perfect for enjoying with loved ones. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!