Mediterranean Summer Vegetable Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this colorful Summer Vegetable Medley recipe inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine. This dish features a delightful combination of fresh, seasonal vegetables including zucchini, aubergine, and bell peppers, all sautéed to perfection. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at summer gatherings, this medley can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this dish as a refreshing salad by itself or pair it with grilled proteins for a well-rounded meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 1/2 tablespoons (none)
large onion
1 (chopped)
green bell peppers
2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
aubergine (eggplant)
1 (sliced)
medium tomatoes
6 (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
courgette (zucchini)
1 (sliced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
oregano
to taste (dried or fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy skillet, heat 3 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3
Incorporate the sliced aubergine (eggplant) into the mixture and continue to fry over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Stir in the peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes along with the sliced courgette (zucchini). Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
5
Add oregano to the skillet, cover, and let the mixture cook over medium-low heat for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until all vegetables are tender.
6
Once finished, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or refrigerate to serve cold later.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Summer Vegetable Medley?
It is a vibrant dish inspired by Spanish cuisine featuring fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini, aubergine, and bell peppers.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses only plant-based ingredients and is entirely vegan.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What are the primary vegetables used?
The main vegetables include onion, green bell peppers, aubergine (eggplant), tomatoes, and courgette (zucchini).
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Is the Mediterranean Summer Vegetable Medley healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and low-calorie side dish.
What is an aubergine?
Aubergine is another term for eggplant, which is a key ingredient in this medley.
What is a courgette?
Courgette is another name for zucchini.
Do the tomatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the instructions recommend using peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes.
Can I use fresh oregano?
Yes, you can use either dried or fresh oregano according to your preference.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the first step in cooking?
The first step is to heat 3 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the onion and peppers?
Sauté the chopped onion and green bell peppers for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic at the same time as the onion and green bell peppers.
How long should the aubergine fry?
Continue to fry the aubergine over low heat for 5 minutes after adding it to the mixture.
What heat level should I use for the final simmer?
The final simmer should be done over medium-low heat.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the skillet for the final 15 minutes of cooking to help the vegetables become tender.
How can I tell when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when all the vegetables are tender.
Can this medley be served warm?
Yes, you can serve the medley warm immediately after it is finished cooking.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it can be refrigerated and served as a chilled dish later.
What color bell peppers are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 green bell peppers.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What can I pair this vegetable medley with?
It pairs very well with grilled proteins for a complete meal.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
Why is this considered a summer recipe?
It utilizes fresh, seasonal summer produce like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
How much pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, or more to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for the Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it is designed to align with Mediterranean diet principles.
Can I eat this as a standalone meal?
Yes, it can be served as a refreshing, light lunch salad by itself.