Sautéed Summer Zucchini with Herb Medley
This vibrant and flavorful sautéed summer zucchini dish highlights the freshness of seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfectly tender yet retaining a delightful crunch, this side dish complements grilled fish, baked chicken, or even a hearty grain bowl. With the option to use fresh or dried herbs, it's an adaptable recipe that can elevate your summer meals. Enjoy this colorful medley of zucchini tossed in a buttery garlic sauce to celebrate the bounty of summer produce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 lb (sliced into 1/8 inch thick rounds)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic clove
1 teaspoon (minced)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh chives
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Fresh dill
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the zucchini under cold water and patting it dry. Trim off the ends and slice the zucchini into 1/8-inch thick rounds without peeling, yielding approximately 6 cups of prepared zucchini.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high to high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Sauté the zucchini while frequently shaking the skillet or gently stirring with a spatula to promote even cooking.
3
Season the zucchini with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender yet firm. Once cooked, drain the zucchini in a sieve to remove excess moisture.
4
Return the skillet to the stovetop and reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor. Return the drained zucchini to the skillet.
5
Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs over the zucchini. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the zucchini is coated evenly. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt if necessary.
6
Serve the sautéed zucchini warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite main dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Summer Zucchini with Herb Medley?
It is a vibrant side dish featuring seasonal zucchini and aromatic fresh herbs tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, designed to complement various main courses.
How should the zucchini be sliced for this recipe?
The zucchini should be sliced into rounds approximately 1/8-inch thick.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the recipe instructions specify slicing the zucchini without peeling.
How much zucchini is required?
You will need 1 pound of zucchini, which yields about 6 cups of prepared slices.
What is the first step in preparing the zucchini?
Rinse the zucchini under cold water, pat it dry, and trim off the ends before slicing.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What heat setting should I use to sauté the zucchini?
You should use medium-high to high heat until the oil is shimmering.
How long does it take to cook the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is tender yet firm.
Why do I need to drain the zucchini in a sieve?
Draining the zucchini helps remove excess moisture so the final dish isn't watery.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Season the zucchini with salt and freshly ground black pepper while it is sautéing in the skillet.
What herbs are included in the herb medley?
The herb medley consists of fresh parsley, chives, dill, tarragon, and basil.
How much butter is added to the dish?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter.
What is the purpose of scraping the skillet after melting the butter?
Scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the skillet adds extra flavor to the dish.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe description mentions that using dried herbs is an adaptable option for this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as indicated by its tags.
What are some recommended pairings for this side dish?
It goes well with grilled fish, baked chicken, or a hearty grain bowl.
How do I ensure the zucchini cooks evenly?
Frequently shake the skillet or gently stir the slices with a spatula during the sautéing process.
Should I cook the garlic at high heat?
No, the heat should be reduced to medium when adding the butter, garlic, and herbs to prevent burning.
What is the final step before serving?
Gently toss the zucchini with the garlic and herbs, then taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients, including the zucchini, fats, seasonings, and five different herbs.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily make it vegan by substituting the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
What is the texture of the finished zucchini?
The zucchini should be perfectly tender while still retaining a delightful crunch.
How do I prepare the fresh herbs?
The parsley, chives, dill, tarragon, and basil should all be chopped before being added.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm, optionally garnished with additional fresh herbs.
Does the recipe require specific types of zucchini?
The recipe calls for standard summer zucchini.
How much fresh basil should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil.
How much fresh tarragon is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh tarragon.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick side' dish.
What makes this a 'summer' recipe?
It highlights seasonal zucchini and a variety of fresh herbs typically found in summer gardens.