Herb-Infused Summer Vegetable Pockets
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with these delightful Herb-Infused Summer Vegetable Pockets. This recipe showcases a colorful medley of fresh zucchini, summer squash, and juicy plum tomatoes, all enveloped in aromatic herbs and creamy feta cheese. The cooking method of parchment paper, or foil if preferred, not only maintains the eye-catching presentation but also minimizes fat while locking in flavors and moisture. Each heart-shaped packet is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a charming way to serve a healthy meal. Feel free to customize with additional seasonal vegetables like chayote or asparagus for a dish that celebrates summer's bounty.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
2 medium (sliced into 1/4 inch rounds)
summer squash
2 (sliced into 1/4 inch rounds)
plum tomatoes
3 medium (cut into 1 inch chunks)
onion
1/2 (thinly sliced)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (to drizzle)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, summer squash, plum tomatoes, and onion.
3
Add the chopped basil, oregano, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
4
Cut four pieces of parchment paper, each measuring 15 inches square. Fold each piece in half, then cut into a heart shape along the fold. Unfold to reveal your charming heart-shaped parchment sheets.
5
Place an equal portion of the vegetable mixture on one side of each parchment sheet, next to the fold.
6
Fold the other side of the parchment over the vegetables and begin sealing the edges tightly, making narrow folds to create a secure packet. Ensure there are no openings for steam to escape.
7
Arrange the sealed vegetable packets on a rimmed baking sheet.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.
9
Carefully remove the packets from the oven. Allow them to cool briefly before transferring to individual serving plates.
10
To serve, slice the top open with scissors and let the aroma waft out, inviting everyone to enjoy their delicious, herb-infused creation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused Summer Vegetable Pockets?
They are a vibrant summer dish featuring a medley of zucchini, squash, and tomatoes seasoned with herbs and feta, baked in parchment paper packets.
What are the primary vegetables used in this recipe?
The main vegetables include 2 medium zucchini, 2 summer squash, 3 medium plum tomatoes, and half an onion.
How should I slice the zucchini and summer squash?
Both the zucchini and the summer squash should be sliced into 1/4 inch rounds.
How should the plum tomatoes be prepared?
The plum tomatoes should be cut into 1 inch chunks.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the vegetable packets need to bake?
The packets should bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Can I use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper?
Yes, you can use foil if preferred, though parchment paper is traditionally used for this heart-shaped presentation.
How do I create the heart-shaped parchment sheets?
Fold a 15-inch square of parchment in half, cut a heart shape along the fold, and then unfold it.
What herbs are used to infuse the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh or dried oregano.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Is this a healthy cooking method?
Yes, cooking in parchment (en papillote) minimizes the need for excess fat while locking in flavors and moisture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I add other seasonal vegetables to the pockets?
Yes, you can customize the dish with other vegetables like chayote or asparagus.
How do I ensure the parchment packets are sealed correctly?
Fold the parchment over the vegetables and make narrow, tight folds along the edges to prevent steam from escaping.
Where should the vegetables be placed on the parchment paper?
Place an equal portion of the mixture on one side of the heart-shaped sheet, right next to the fold.
Is olive oil required for this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is used to drizzle and coat the vegetables before baking.
What is the benefit of using heart-shaped parchment?
Beyond the charming presentation, the shape helps facilitate a secure, steam-tight seal for even cooking.
How should I serve the finished packets?
Transfer packets to individual plates, slice the top open with scissors, and serve immediately to enjoy the escaping aroma.
Can I use dried oregano if I don't have fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies that 1/2 teaspoon of either dried or fresh oregano can be used.
How should the onion be prepared?
The half onion should be thinly sliced before being tossed with the other vegetables.
What should I do if I don't have a rimmed baking sheet?
A standard baking sheet will work, but a rimmed one is better to catch any juices if a packet happens to leak.
Should the vegetables be tossed before being placed in the parchment?
Yes, gently toss the vegetables with herbs, cheese, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to ensure even coating.
How much salt and pepper are recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish as it contains only vegetables, herbs, and cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.
What is the texture of the vegetables after baking?
The vegetables should be tender but still hold their shape, as they are steamed inside the packets.
Why is it important to allow the packets to cool briefly?
Allowing them to cool briefly makes them easier to handle and prevents steam burns when opening the packets.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It features a Mediterranean profile with fresh basil, oregano, olive oil, and salty feta cheese.
Which category does this recipe fall under?
According to the recipe data, it is categorized under 'Onions'.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients total: zucchini, summer squash, plum tomatoes, onion, basil, oregano, feta, olive oil, salt, and pepper.