Garden Overflowing?

It's weekly recipe time, y'all! The wonderful vegetable from your garden this week: ZUCCHINI!

Zucchinis are low calorie and rich in flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants like carotenes, lutein and zea-xanthin. These compounds help to scavenge harmful oxygen-derived free radicals from the body that play a role in aging and various disease processes. The zucchini is also a great source of potassium which is great for all you active gardens who spend time in the sun and need electrolytes to help reduce blood pressure and heart rates. It’s rich in vitamin A and C and contain moderate levels of complex B Vitamins. 

Why do we care about that? In simpler terms, zucchinis help us look good and feel good, boosting health benefits as well. That is why we have chosen it as our harvest food of the week. Find a yummy recipe below so you can enjoy this fantastic vegetable. 

Grilled Zucchini Ribbons

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Ingredients

  • 3-4 large zucchini

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • sea salt/kosher salt and ground pepper

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1 Tbsp. freshly chopped Mint

  • 3 Tbsp. toasted pine nuts

  • shaved Parmesan cheese, feta or goat chèvre

  • Balsamic Vinegar to taste

Instructions

  • Heat up your grill or grill pan.

  • As the grill heats, slice your zucchini. Trim off the ends and using a mandoline, vegetable peeler, or a very sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise. Toss the sliced zucchini with 4 Tbsp. of the olive oil, some salt and pepper, to taste.

  • Brush the grates of your grill/grill pan with some olive oil. Quickly, grill the zucchini slices on one side, until lightly marked and softened, about 1-2 minutes per piece. Remove to a plate and let cool to room temperature.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the rest of the olive oil with the garlic, lemon juice, and mint. Add the zucchini ribbons and carefully toss to coat. Pile the zucchini ribbons onto a platter, and top with the pine nuts and cheese of your choice. Finish with a couple splashes of balsamic to taste and ENJOY!

Sarah Russellfood, garden fresh, farm fresh, farm to table, healthy food, zucchini, home & garden