Crispy Herb-Infused Zucchini Rounds
These Crispy Herb-Infused Zucchini Rounds are a delightful appetizer inspired by a marvelous evening at an art opening. The thinly sliced zucchini is perfectly seasoned and fried until golden brown, offering a crunch that contrasts beautifully with its tender interior. Garnished with aromatic sprigs of lavender, these rounds are not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear quickly as everyone indulges in this scrumptious treat!
24
Servings
17
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 lb (sliced into thin rounds)
Salt
1 teaspoon (sea salt or Kosher)
Cornmeal
1/2 cup (for dredging)
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Lavender sprigs
2 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Place the sliced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This process will draw out excess moisture, enhancing the crunchiness of the rounds.
2
After the zucchini has sweated, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3
Dredge each round of zucchini in cornmeal, ensuring they're evenly coated.
4
In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add the zucchini rounds to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
5
Fry the zucchini rounds for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6
Once slightly cooled, arrange on a serving platter, garnishing with fresh lavender sprigs for an elegant touch.
7
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Nutrition Information
0.75g
Fat
0.42g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Herb-Infused Zucchini Rounds?
They are a vegetable appetizer consisting of thinly sliced zucchini dredged in cornmeal and fried until golden brown, garnished with lavender.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of these zucchini rounds?
Each serving contains approximately 17 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 0.75g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each round?
Each serving provides 0.42g of protein.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The ingredients include zucchini, salt, cornmeal, peanut oil, and lavender sprigs.
How thick should I slice the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced into thin rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick.
Why should I salt the zucchini before cooking?
Salting helps draw out excess moisture, which ensures the rounds become extra crunchy when fried.
How long should the zucchini sit with salt?
Let the sliced zucchini sit in a colander for about 15-20 minutes.
What should I do after the zucchini has sweated?
Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture before dredging.
What is used to coat the zucchini rounds?
Each round is dredged in cornmeal for an even coating.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Peanut oil is recommended for its high smoke point and flavor profile.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.
How long do the zucchini rounds take to fry?
Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Should I cook all the zucchini at once?
No, work in batches to ensure you do not overcrowd the pan, which helps maintain crispiness.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Place the fried rounds on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
What herb is used to infuse or garnish this dish?
Fresh lavender sprigs are used as a garnish for an elegant, aromatic touch.
Should these be served hot or cold?
These rounds are best served warm to enjoy the delightful crunch.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This is classified as a vegetable appetizer or finger food.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe, perfect for seasonal zucchini.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Sea salt or Kosher salt is recommended for the best flavor.
How much peanut oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of peanut oil for sauteing.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The exterior is crispy and crunchy while the interior remains tender.
Can this be served at formal events?
Yes, the lavender garnish makes it visually stunning and suitable for events like art openings.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, with only 17 calories per serving and vegetable-based ingredients, it is considered a healthy snack.
How many lavender sprigs are needed?
The recipe uses 2 sprigs of lavender for garnishing.
Does the recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data, there is no cholesterol listed for this recipe.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 5 ingredients in total.
How much cornmeal is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of cornmeal for dredging.
Can I use this as a side dish?
While intended as an appetizer or finger food, it also works well as a vegetable side dish.