Grilled zucchini is a no-fuss, healthy side dish.
The bright green zucchini, a member of the gourd family, is an extremely versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. In addition to being tasty and easy to prepare, zucchini is also very nutritious. One cup has only 20 calories, and the vegetable is loaded with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Search for zucchini that is firm and shiny, wash and enjoy it raw or cooked in any number of dishes.
Add to Salads or Vegetable Platters
Raw zucchini makes a wonderful addition to salads. Dice it into small pieces, grate it or shred it to add a healthy crunch. You can also add zucchini spears to a veggie platter alongside other raw vegetables and ranch dip.
Grilled Zucchini
The next time you have a barbecue, throw some zucchini on the grill for a quick and easy side dish. Simply slice zucchini lengthwise, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with desired seasonings. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
Sauteed Zucchini
Sauteing zucchini is a common preparation method that produces a tasty and tender side dish for any meal. Begin by washing the zucchini, chopping off the ends and cutting the remainder into thin slices. Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a saute pan or skillet, then add the slices as well as any preferred seasonings. Gently toss the zucchini in the pan until the edges are lightly browned and the flesh is slightly translucent. Do not overcook or the zucchini will become soggy. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Broiled Zucchini with Cheese
Kids will hardly know they are eating vegetables while enjoying this zucchini snack or side dish. Simply slice some similarly sized zucchini into 3/8" rounds. Preheat your broiler and spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Cover the entire sheet with the zucchini rounds, placing them as close together as possible. Sprinkle the rounds with seasoning salt or any other desired spices, then cover the zucchini with the grated cheese of your choice. Broil for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned, then serve immediately.
Stuffed Zucchini
This dish, loaded with ground beef, mushrooms, green pepper, cheese and onions, is hearty enough to be the main course. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash three large zucchini, cut off the ends and halve lengthwise. Microwave for about 10 minutes in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, until the zucchini are soft. Scrape out the seeded center of each half, leaving some of the flesh as a "shell." Set aside the scraped-out zucchini centers in a bowl. Dice and saute half an onion, 1/2 cup of mushrooms and 1/2 cup of chopped green peppers and add to the bowl as well. Next, brown 1 1/2 cups of lean ground beef, adding thyme, crushed red pepper and minced garlic to taste. Add the cooked beef and 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Place zucchini halves on a baking sheet and fill with the ground beef stuffing. Finish by sprinkling with additional Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese has melted and the filling is hot. For a delicious vegetarian dish, substitute vegetarian "sausage" crumbles for the ground beef.
Tags: ground beef, side dish, about minutes, Parmesan cheese, baking sheet, dish Simply