The delicate zucchini cream without cooking is a creamy mixture prepared with raw zucchini, spices, and blended pine nuts. It’s a dense, fresh, and light cream primarily used as a sauce for pasta, also great spread on crostini or as a creamy base for other dishes.
It’s a simple and quick recipe, becoming an excellent preserve to keep in the freezer for convenience.
It’s an alternative to the classic basil pesto but with a milder flavor from the zucchini, which I’ve flavored with pine nuts, garlic, cheese, and a few basil leaves for extra flavor. If you like, you can also add a few fresh mint leaves for an extra note of freshness.
To keep the zucchini’s bright color, I’ve added an ice cube to the blender. I’ve used white zucchini, but for a more pronounced color, I recommend using green ones.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 small jars
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients for the delicate zucchini cream without cooking
- 1.1 lbs Zucchini
- 3.4 oz Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 oz Pine nuts
- 3.5 oz Parmigiano Reggiano
- 5 leaves Basil
- 2 Ice (small cubes)
- to taste Salt (fine)
Tools
- 1 Blender
- 1 small bowl
- 2 jars
Preparation for the delicate zucchini cream without cooking
Clean and wash the zucchini and basil leaves, then dry them well.
In the bimby container or another appliance, insert all the ingredients:
the sliced zucchini, garlic cloves, pine nuts, oil, cheese, basil, ice cubes, and salt.Activate the speed and blend everything for a few minutes at speed 5 until it becomes creamy.
Pour the delicate zucchini cream into a small bowl and store in the fridge covered with plastic wrap while waiting to cook the pasta.
Pour the rest of the cream into small glass jars, close them tightly, and store in the freezer to use when needed.
When ready to use, you can add creamy cheese to the zucchini cream before dressing the pasta.
Advice and Variations
I recommend trying it, it’s so good, it’s very quick to prepare and also without cooking, ideal to prepare in summer when you don’t feel like being at the stove, or when you have plenty of zucchini to use up and don’t know how to prepare them anymore.
Can I use green zucchini?
Yes, of course, you can use whatever zucchini you have at home, with green ones the color will be more intense.
Can I use fresh mint?
Certainly, for an extra touch of freshness, you can add and blend some fresh mint leaves.
Can I substitute almonds for pine nuts?
Yes, as long as they are white (peeled).
Can I add pecorino?
If you like, you can substitute pecorino for parmesan.
