5 Easy Recipe Ideas for Cooking Fresh Zucchini This Summer
Summer vegetable Quick recipes Healthy & light Anti-waste
Why cook fresh zucchini?
In summer, zucchini arrives in force on the shelves! This green vegetable, light, low in calories and rich in fiber, lends itself to all desires 🥗. Whether you're in a hurry, a fan of healthy flavors or looking for anti-waste tips, zucchini offers you an infinite number of easy-to-improvise recipes. Its mild taste pleases everyone, even children, and it goes equally well with grilled meats, fresh herbs and spices. It's THE seasonal vegetable that smells of lunches in the sun and aperitifs with friends.
One of its biggest assets? It cooks quickly: pan-fried, grilled, grated, in a pie, in a salad, in a smoothie... All you need is a few ingredients from the cupboard or a small blender to make it sublime. Ready to enjoy it without complicating your life?
Recipe ideas and smart uses for summer
Grilled zucchini barbecue style 🔥
Slice your zucchini lengthwise into thin slices, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with herbes de Provence, then grill them for a few minutes on a barbecue or in a pan. Perfect as an accompaniment to kebabs or to fill a Mediterranean sandwich.
Thin zucchini, goat cheese and honey tart
Roll out a sheet of puff pastry, spread a thin layer of cream or goat cheese, add zucchini slices, a drizzle of honey, and a little salt and pepper. Pop it in the oven! The result: a crispy and tasty starter that's a hit as an aperitif or dinner.
Quick zucchini and tomato stir-fry
Sauté a shallot, diced zucchini, and a few cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil. Add garlic and basil, and sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese. Ready in fifteen minutes, this stir-fry is the perfect accompaniment to fish or basmati rice.
Grated fresh zucchini in salad
Grate a raw zucchini and mix it with lemon juice, olive oil, chopped mint or parsley, and a few sunflower seeds. Freshness and crunchiness guaranteed! Perfect for a picnic or as a healthy starter.
Green detox smoothie with zucchini 🥤
Blend half a raw zucchini with an apple, a little cucumber, lemon juice and a few mint leaves in a smoothie blender . An ultra-fresh, vitamin-packed and light drink to sip for breakfast or after exercise!
Want even more seasonal inspiration? Take a look at our Recipes of the Week page, where you'll find plenty of simple ideas for enjoying summer vegetables.
Cooking and anti-waste tips for zucchini
Courgette: budget, smart purchase & equipment
In summer, you'll find fresh zucchini at low prices at all markets and in most supermarkets. Choose firm, smooth, medium-sized zucchini (avoid larger ones, which are often more watery and less flavorful). They can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator, in the vegetable drawer.
To vary your pleasures, consider investing in a smoothie blender if you want to try fresh drinks or cold soups. When it comes to cooking, barbecues and grill pans are also valuable allies for obtaining golden and tasty zucchini. And if you're a fan of quick cooking, an air fryer allows you to make zucchini fries with little fat.
Budget tip: To make the most of the season, keep an eye out for bulk deals and prepare a gratin, ratatouille, or savory cakes to freeze for the weeks when you have less time to cook.
Fresh zucchini FAQ
Should I remove the skin from the zucchini before cooking it?
No, the skin of fresh zucchini is thin, edible, and full of nutrients. A simple wash is enough in most cases!
How to prevent zucchini from releasing too much water during cooking?
Cut them into not too thin pieces, sear them over high heat and avoid covering them. You can also lightly salt them and drain them before cooking to limit excess water.
What to do with overripe or damaged zucchini?
Grate them to add them to a dish (cake, soup, quiche) or freeze them to use later as a puree or velouté. Nothing goes to waste!
Can you eat raw zucchini?
Yes, raw zucchini, grated or thinly sliced, goes very well in salads and adds crunch, freshness and lightness.
How to properly store fresh zucchini?
Place them in the vegetable drawer, whole and unwashed, to keep them fresh for several days. Avoid storing them next to very ripe fruit like tomatoes.
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