Savory Garlic Zucchini Medley
Savor the delightful flavors of this savory Garlic Zucchini Medley, inspired by the classic dish 'Mutabbal Koosa' from the rich culinary traditions of Syria and Lebanon. This vibrant appetizer beautifully highlights the fresh taste of zucchini, enhanced with aromatic garlic and brightened by the tanginess of vinegar. Perfect for gatherings or a light starter, this dish offers an inviting blend of textures and flavors, making it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Allow the medley to marinate for a few hours to develop more depth and complexity, rewarding you with a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic
1 small head (peeled and sliced)
Zucchini
1.5 lbs (cut into 1/4 inch thick slices)
Vinegar
4 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Green onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for added spice)
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns light golden brown. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic will add bitterness to the dish.
3
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the garlic slices from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, set aside.
4
In the same pan, add the zucchini slices in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and sauté until they are golden brown on both sides, roughly 3-4 minutes each side. Remove zucchini from the pan and drain on fresh paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5
In a small bowl, mix the vinegar with salt, pepper, cayenne, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
6
On a serving platter, arrange the sautéed zucchini slices in a decorative manner. Drizzle the vinegar mixture evenly over the zucchini.
7
Finally, sprinkle the sautéed garlic on top for added flavor and crunch.
8
Let the dish stand for at least 4 hours at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Garlic Zucchini Medley?
It is a vibrant appetizer featuring zucchini and garlic, inspired by the Syrian and Lebanese dish Mutabbal Koosa.
What are the cultural origins of this recipe?
This dish is rooted in the culinary traditions of Syria and Lebanon and belongs to Mediterranean cuisine.
Is this zucchini recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is specifically tagged as vegetarian and uses plant-based ingredients.
How much zucchini do I need?
The recipe requires 1.5 lbs of zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
You will need one small head of garlic, which should be peeled and sliced.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the ingredients.
How should I cook the garlic?
Sauté the sliced garlic gently in olive oil over medium heat until it turns light golden brown.
Why should I be careful not to burn the garlic?
Burnt garlic will add a bitter taste to the dish, which can ruin the flavor profile.
How long does the zucchini take to sauté?
Each side of the zucchini slices should be sautéed for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
What should I do after sautéing the zucchini?
Remove the zucchini from the pan and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
What goes into the vinegar mixture?
The mixture includes vinegar, salt, pepper, cayenne, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
How is the dish assembled for serving?
Arrange the zucchini on a platter, drizzle with the vinegar mixture, and sprinkle the sautéed garlic on top.
How long should the dish marinate?
The dish should stand for at least 4 hours at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
Is there any spice in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle spice.
How many green onions are required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions.
Is fresh cilantro used in this medley?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the recommended thickness for zucchini slices?
The zucchini should be cut into 1/4 inch thick slices for the best results.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
While you can, it is highly recommended to wait 4 hours for the flavors to develop complexity.
What is the heat setting for the frying pan?
The olive oil and ingredients should be heated over medium heat.
How much vinegar is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of vinegar for drizzling.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and focuses on fresh vegetables and olive oil.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, mediterranean, appetizer, zucchini, garlic, healthy, marinated, syria, and lebanon.
Should the garlic be removed from the pan?
Yes, use a slotted spoon to remove the garlic once golden and set it aside to drain.
Can I use this as a light starter?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for gatherings or as a light starter.
Is salt and pepper included in the ingredients?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste for seasoning the vinegar mixture.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this Savory Garlic Zucchini Medley.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data does not list specific values for calories, fat, or protein.
What texture does the garlic provide?
The sautéed garlic sprinkled on top adds both flavor and a pleasant crunch.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can this be served at room temperature?
Yes, the instructions suggest letting it stand at room temperature before serving.