Zucchini Noodles with Heirloom Tomato Basil Sauce
This delightful dish transforms fresh zucchini into vibrant noodles, offering a light and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Paired with a rich heirloom tomato sauce bursting with the flavors of summer, it's perfect for a refreshing lunch, an elegant side dish, or a stunning first course at your dinner party. The aromatic thyme and subtle kick of cayenne elevate the dish, making every bite a celebration of wholesome ingredients and seasonal freshness.
4
Servings
80
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
ripe tomatoes
4 large (peeled, seeded and chopped)
fresh thyme
2 sprigs (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
zucchini
6 small (trimmed and sliced lengthwise into strips)
garlic
2 cloves (smashed)
cayenne pepper
to taste (pinch)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped tomatoes, fresh thyme, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook uncovered for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and excess moisture evaporates.
3
Remove and discard the bay leaf from the sauce and set aside.
4
Slice the unpeeled zucchini lengthwise into long, wide strips, approximately 1/8 inch thick. A vegetable slicer or a veggie peeler can be used for best results.
5
In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil over high heat. Add half of the zucchini strips and half of the smashed garlic. Sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
6
Sauté the zucchini for about 3 minutes, stirring almost constantly, until tender and golden, being careful not to break the strips.
7
Transfer the cooked zucchini to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in a low oven.
8
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining olive oil, zucchini, smashed garlic, and cayenne pepper.
9
To serve, arrange the zucchini noodles on a warmed serving platter and pour the tomato sauce over the top.
10
Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary vegetable used in this recipe?
The primary vegetable used is zucchini, which is transformed into noodles.
Is Zucchini Noodles with Heirloom Tomato Basil Sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the best way to slice the zucchini into noodles?
You can use a vegetable slicer or a veggie peeler to slice unpeeled zucchini lengthwise into 1/8 inch thick strips.
Should the zucchini be peeled before making noodles?
No, the recipe specifies using unpeeled zucchini for the noodles.
What type of tomatoes should be used for the sauce?
The recipe recommends using large, ripe heirloom tomatoes that are peeled, seeded, and chopped.
How long does it take to prepare the heirloom tomato sauce?
The sauce should cook for about 7 to 10 minutes until it thickens and excess moisture evaporates.
Which herbs provide the aromatic flavor in the sauce?
Fresh thyme (or dried thyme) and a bay leaf provide the aromatic flavor.
Is the bay leaf meant to be eaten?
No, the bay leaf should be removed and discarded from the sauce before serving.
Why is sugar included in the tomato sauce ingredients?
A small amount of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) is used to balance the flavors of the tomatoes.
What is the recommended cooking method for the zucchini noodles?
The zucchini noodles should be sautéed in olive oil over high heat for about 3 minutes until tender and golden.
Should I cook all the zucchini at once?
It is best to cook the zucchini in two batches to ensure they sauté evenly without breaking the strips.
What provides the spicy kick in this dish?
A pinch of cayenne pepper added during the sautéing process provides a subtle kick.
How can I keep the zucchini warm while finishing the second batch?
Transfer the cooked zucchini to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and keep them in a low oven.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb pasta alternative.
Can I substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme?
Yes, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of 2 sprigs of fresh thyme.
How much fat is in each serving of this dish?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the zucchini noodle dish?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
Each serving contains approximately 1.25 grams of fiber.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is a great choice for a light lunch, an elegant side dish, or a seasonal summer first course.
What is the recommended topping for the finished dish?
The dish should be sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese just before serving.
Why are heirloom tomatoes used in this recipe?
Heirloom tomatoes are used for their rich, seasonal flavor that bursts with summer freshness.
What is the desired thickness for the zucchini strips?
The strips should be approximately 1/8 inch thick.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are needed in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil are used, divided between the sauce and the sautéing process.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, which should be smashed before cooking.
Does the sauce need to be covered while cooking?
No, the sauce should be cooked uncovered to allow the moisture to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.
How would you describe the overall flavor profile?
The dish is light and healthy, featuring rich tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and a subtle heat.
Is this a complex recipe to prepare?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe that celebrates wholesome ingredients.
Should the parmesan cheese be added during cooking?
No, the parmesan cheese should be sprinkled over the top immediately before serving for the best flavor.