Sweet Zucchini (Recipes Inside!)
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Zucchini, I just love fresh zucchini! Not because they're a good source of vitamins A, C, potassium and dietary fiber, but it's actually how I got my kid started on eating vegetables. Zucchini noodles or zoodles as they're so lovingly coined can easily be mistaken for regular spaghetti noodles by even the pickiest of eaters!
Not only are zucchini noodles great for tricking kids into eating their veggies but they're great if you're looking to cut down on carbs or just want to add some more veggies to your diet.
You can make them yourself with a spiralizer or you can buy them pre-made at the grocery store. I like to pair mine with a simple tomato sauce and some grilled chicken or shrimp. Yum! We'll get to the zucchini noodle recipe later, but now lets go back to the topic at hand, zucchini!
Why is it Called Zucchini?
The word "zucchini" comes from the Italian word zucchino, which means "little squash" . The squash plant is also known by the names cucuzza, cocozelle, and courgette. While all signs point to it being an Italian plant (really, if there's a vegetable that sounds Italian, it's Zucchini right?) Zucchini is actually native to the Americas but it was first widely cultivated in Italy. Today, it is grown all over the world and is a popular ingredient in many different cuisines.
When is Zucchini and Summer Squash in Season?
Fresh, juicy and ubiquitous in gardens and markets from July to September, zucchini and other summer squash are part of the extensive Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon and winter squash. In fact, many winter and summer squash belong to the same species — Cucurbita pepo — so “summer squash” is a culinary distinction and not a biological one.
Summer squash — like zucchini, crookneck, straightneck and pattypan — are eaten when they are immature and tender-skinned, while winter squash varieties are left to develop tougher skins that keep well into the colder months of the year.
A Quick Guide to What's in Season in Texas
Embark on a culinary adventure with our quick guide to what's in season in Texas. Discover the freshest produce and elevate your home-cooked meals (how long do cooked meals last?) with the flavors of the Lone Star State.
Zucchini: The Most Popular Summer Squash in the States
Zucchini is the most popular summer squash in the states for a variety of reasons. For one, it is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. It is also relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for home gardens. Lastly, it has a fairly long shelf life, meaning that it can be enjoyed well into the fall and winter months.
What Does Zucchini Taste Like?
Zucchini has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is often compared to that of a cucumber. Though both zucchini and cucumber belong to the same family of plants, they have some distinct differences. For one, cucumbers (how long do cucumbers last?) are typically eaten raw, while zucchini is usually cooked. Additionally, cucumbers have a refreshing, slightly acidic taste, while zucchini has a milder, sweeter flavor. Lastly, cucumbers have a crisp texture, while zucchini is more versatile and can be either crunchy or soft, making it more amenable to cooking.
How to Select and Store Zucchini
When selecting zucchini, look for ones that are dark green in color and have smooth, shiny skin. Avoid any squash that are dull in color or have rough, blemished skin. Zucchini are best when they are small to medium in size as they will be more tender and have fewer seeds.
Personally, I find the larger zucchini to be a little bitter for my taste, so it's best to stick to small and medium-sized ones.
Once you've selected your perfect zucchinis, store them in a plastic bag in the fridge where they will keep fresh for a few days.
If you want to keep your zucchini longer, you can cut it up, blanch them, and freeze them. They should be good for up to three months.
What's in Season: Sweet Zucchini Recipes Inside
Indulge in the sweetness of seasonal zucchini with our collection of delectable recipes. From savory dishes to delightful desserts, make the most of this versatile vegetable in your Texas kitchen.
Most Popular Zucchini Recipes
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with both savory and sweet flavors, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Some popular zucchini recipes include Zucchini bread (how long does bread last?), Zucchini noodles, Grilled Zucchini (What wine goes well with grilled zucchini?), Zucchini muffins, and Zucchini fries just to name a few.
No matter what you're in the mood for, there's likely a zucchini recipe out there that will suit your needs. So get creative in the kitchen and see what amazing dishes you can create with this fantastic vegetable!
Zucchini Bread Recipe
Zucchini Bread Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour (how long does flour last?)
1 teaspoon baking powder (how long does baking powder last?)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (how long does baking soda last?)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil (how long does vegetable oil last?)
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped walnuts (how long do walnuts last?) (optional)
Zucchini Bread Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and oil until light and fluffy.
Stir in the zucchini and walnuts (if desired).
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
(Optional) Sprinkle with cocoa and powdered sugar to give it that rustic look!
Quick and Easy Zucchini Noodle Recipe
Zucchini Noodle ingredients :
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves (how long do cloves last?) garlic, minced
3 zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
spiralizing courgette raw vegetable with spiralizer
Zucchini Noodle Directions:
Spiralize zucchini noodles using a spiralizer. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to cut the noodles by hand.
Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release some of their water content.
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add your choice of protein and cook until browned.
Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still have a bit of a bite.
Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Serve immediately
Super Simple Grilled Zucchini Recipe
Grilled Zucchini Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
Grilled Zucchini Directions:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Brush the zucchini rounds with the olive oil mixture.
Place the zucchini rounds on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
Serve immediately. garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Fluffy Zucchini Muffins Recipe
Zucchini Muffin Ingredients:
1 cup grated zucchini
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (how long do nuts last?) or chocolate chips (how long do chocolate chips last?)
Zucchini Muffin Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 12 muffin cups, or line with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
Stir in zucchini.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Fill prepared muffin cups three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Baked Zucchini "Fries" Recipe
Baked Zucchini Fries Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch (how long does cornstarch last?)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (how long does onion powder last?)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup milk
2 cups panko bread crumbs (how long do bread crumbs last?)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, cut into fry shapes
Baked Zucchini Fries Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, (how long does garlic powder last?) onion powder, baking soda, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
Dip zucchini fries into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then coat with panko bread crumbs.
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the fries.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.
There you have it! A few quick and easy zucchini recipes to help you use up that summer squash. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or a hearty main course, these recipes will definitely hit the spot. So go ahead and get cooking!
