Zesty Mediterranean Zucchini Stew with Feta
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavorful Zesty Mediterranean Zucchini Stew. Drawing inspiration from the beloved stewed zucchini I savored while working as a waitress in bustling New York diners, this recipe is a quick and simple way to enjoy fresh summer vegetables. The zucchini is perfectly complemented by the tanginess of feta cheese and the warmth of chunky salsa, making it a delightful side dish or a light main course. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready in just a short time, it’s an uncomplicated yet delicious way to bring a taste of Greek cuisine to your kitchen. Enjoy my first recipe post, and I hope it becomes a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
4
Servings
67.5
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
5-6 (sliced lengthwise in quarters and then cut into bite-sized chunks, skin on)
Olive Oil
1-2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (minced or jarred)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Chunky Salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (medium spice recommended)
Sliced Mushrooms
8 ounces (presliced)
Feta Cheese
3/4 cup (medium size crumbles)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the zucchini thoroughly, then slice them lengthwise into quarters before cutting them into bite-sized chunks. Leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
2
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
3
Introduce the zucchini chunks to the pan, ensuring they are evenly coated with the olive oil and garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Pour in the jar of chunky salsa, stirring well to blend the ingredients. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on medium-low heat until the zucchini is tender yet still crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the presliced mushrooms and crumbled feta cheese to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are heated through and the feta is slightly softened, but still retains its shape.
6
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a delightful side dish or as a light main course!
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mediterranean Zucchini Stew with Feta?
It is a vibrant and flavorful vegetable stew featuring fresh zucchini, chunky salsa, mushrooms, and tangy feta cheese, inspired by Greek cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Should I peel the zucchini for this stew?
No, you should leave the skin on for added texture and nutritional value.
What is the recommended way to cut the zucchini?
Slice the zucchini lengthwise into quarters and then cut them into bite-sized chunks.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of minced or jarred garlic.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
What type of salsa is best for this recipe?
A 16-ounce jar of chunky salsa is used; a medium spice level is recommended.
How long should the zucchini simmer with the salsa?
Cover the pan and simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender yet still crisp.
When should I add the mushrooms and feta cheese?
Add the mushrooms and crumbled feta cheese after the zucchini has simmered for 5-7 minutes.
How long do the mushrooms and feta need to cook?
Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are heated through and the feta is slightly softened.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 67.5 calories.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian vegetable dish.
How much fat is in one serving of this stew?
There are 4.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish offer?
This dish provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of mushrooms should I buy?
The recipe suggests 8 ounces of presliced mushrooms for convenience.
How much feta cheese is used in the recipe?
You will need 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, preferably medium-sized crumbles.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served either as a delightful side dish or as a light main course.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
It was inspired by stewed zucchini dishes found in New York diners and traditional Greek flavors.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy and uncomplicated recipe that is ready in a short amount of time.
How do you ensure the zucchini doesn't get too mushy?
By simmering it for only 5-7 minutes and checking that it remains tender yet crisp.
Do I need to let the stew sit before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it sit for a couple of minutes after removing it from the heat.
What total number of ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: zucchini, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, salsa, mushrooms, and feta.
Is this dish suitable for healthy eating?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy eating and a low-calorie vegetable dish.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
Use medium-high heat for heating the oil and sautéing the initial ingredients.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of presliced?
Yes, though the recipe specifies presliced mushrooms for convenience, fresh whole mushrooms can be sliced and used.
Is the feta cheese supposed to melt completely?
No, the feta should be slightly softened but should still retain its shape.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe falls under the Vegetable category.
How many zucchinis are needed?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 zucchinis.