Sautéed Zucchini with Gruyère and Fresh Herbs
This delightful sautéed zucchini combines the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyère Swiss cheese with the vibrant freshness of herbs, creating a sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal. The zucchini is quickly cooked to perfection, ensuring it retains its texture and enhances its natural sweetness. Pairing it with aromatic tarragon and basil, this dish offers an irresistible harmony of flavors that can take center stage on your dining table. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a complement to grilled meats, this recipe celebrates simple yet gourmet cooking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 lb (sliced (about 4 small zucchini or 1 large, cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices))
Canola oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1/2 cup (sliced)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons (chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried))
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried))
Gruyère Swiss cheese
2 ounces (sliced thin (can substitute other Swiss cheese))
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by heating the canola oil in a large, heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat. An anodized aluminum pan is highly recommended for its heat retention and stick-resistant properties.
2
Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the zucchini slices and sliced onions to the pan, making sure they are spread evenly across the bottom.
3
Cook the zucchini and onions briskly, stirring frequently to prevent any sticking, until the zucchini is slightly caramelized and browned on at least one side. This should take about 2 minutes.
4
Season the zucchini mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Halfway through cooking, add the minced garlic, chopped fresh tarragon, and basil, stirring well to combine.
5
If you notice any sticking, add an additional drizzle of canola oil to the pan.
6
Once the zucchini is perfectly cooked yet still crisp, remove the pan from the heat.
7
Layer the thinly sliced Gruyère cheese over the sautéed zucchini evenly. Cover the pan with a lid or a large plate to trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
8
After the cheese has melted to your desired gooeyness, gently transfer the sautéed zucchini with cheese to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Zucchini with Gruyère and Fresh Herbs?
This is a sophisticated side dish that combines caramelized zucchini with the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs like tarragon and basil.
How much zucchini do I need for this recipe?
You will need approximately 1 pound of zucchini, which is about 4 small zucchini or 1 large one.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be cut into slices between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the zucchini?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of canola oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh tarragon and basil?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon for the fresh tarragon and 1 teaspoon of dried basil for the fresh basil.
What is a good substitute for Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère is unavailable, you can substitute it with other types of thinly sliced Swiss cheese.
What type of pan is recommended for this recipe?
A large, heavy sauté pan, specifically an anodized aluminum pan, is recommended for its heat retention and stick-resistant properties.
How long does it take to cook the zucchini and onions?
The zucchini and onions should be cooked briskly for about 2 minutes until slightly caramelized and browned on at least one side.
When should I add the garlic and herbs?
Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh tarragon, and basil halfway through the sautéing process.
What is the best way to melt the cheese on the zucchini?
Layer the thinly sliced Gruyère over the zucchini, then cover the pan with a lid or a large plate to trap the heat for a few minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Sautéed Zucchini with Gruyère and Fresh Herbs is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced onion.
How many garlic cloves are used?
This recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove.
What should I do if the zucchini starts to stick to the pan?
If you notice any sticking, simply add an additional drizzle of canola oil to the pan.
What is the recommended heat setting for the stove?
You should heat the oil and cook the vegetables over medium-high heat.
How much cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of thinly sliced Gruyère Swiss cheese.
Should the zucchini be crisp or soft?
The zucchini should be perfectly cooked yet still retain some crispness rather than being mushy.
Can I serve this dish cold?
It is recommended to serve this dish immediately while it is still hot and the cheese is gooey.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a harmony of nutty Gruyère, fresh aromatic herbs, and the natural sweetness of caramelized zucchini.
What can I garnish the finished dish with?
You can garnish the dish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, the zucchini cooks quickly in about 2 minutes, making it an ideal quick side dish.
Can I use butter instead of canola oil?
While the recipe specifies canola oil for high-heat sautéing, butter can be used, though it may brown more quickly.
How do I prepare the onions?
The onions should be sliced before being added to the pan.
What kind of salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste; any standard kitchen salt and black pepper will work.
Why is tarragon used in this recipe?
Tarragon adds a unique, slightly anise-like aromatic quality that complements the zucchini and Gruyère.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but ensure you use a large enough pan to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the zucchini to steam rather than brown.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it uses fresh vegetables and heart-healthy oil, making it a nutritious side dish option.
Does the zucchini need to be peeled?
No, the zucchini is typically left unpeeled to help maintain its structure and color.
What type of meals does this pair well with?
It pairs excellently with grilled meats or as part of a gourmet vegetarian spread.
Should I stir the zucchini while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.