Imagine a burst of freshness, a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors coming together in a delicious harmony.
Our marinated zucchini with lemon and mint is an ode to summer, a simple yet sophisticated dish that will captivate your taste buds.
The delicacy of raw zucchini pairs perfectly with the vibrancy of lemon, the freshness of mint, the aromatic touch of garlic, the intensity of extra virgin olive oil, and the fragrance of basil.
A unique gustatory experience, an explosion of flavors that will transport you directly to a Mediterranean garden.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer and Autumn, All Seasons
- Energy 96.66 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 2.92 (g) of which sugars 0.25 (g)
- Proteins 2.28 (g)
- Fat 9.36 (g) of which saturated 1.36 (g)of which unsaturated 0.17 (g)
- Fibers 1.12 (g)
- Sodium 65.22 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 100 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful burst of freshness, you will need the following ingredients, a harmony of Mediterranean flavors that blend perfectly:
- 2 zucchini
- 1 lemon
- 1 bunch mint
- 2 cloves garlic
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- A few leaves basil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Tools
To best execute this recipe, make sure you have the following essential tools on hand:
- 1 Vegetable Peeler Fackelmann
- 1 Bowl Westmark
- 1 Jar LATRAT
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create a fresh and delicious dish that will surprise your guests:
Start by carefully washing the zucchini, as you will use the peel as well.
Then, using a peeler, slice them into very thin slices, about 1/16 inch thick, almost transparent.
Prepare the marinade in a jar with a tight-fitting lid: squeeze the lemon juice, tear the mint and basil leaves by hand, slice the garlic thick, add the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Close the jar and shake well.
Lay the zucchini slices on a wide, shallow plate, creating a few light layers, pour the marinade over the zucchini, ensuring they are well coated, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
Alternatively, you can store the marinated zucchini in a larger jar for use in the coming days.
Marinated zucchini is perfect as a side dish for meat or fish dishes, but you can also use them to stuff sandwiches, wraps, toasts, and other preparations.
Serve them at room temperature or slightly cool and enjoy your meal.
To best enjoy your marinated zucchini and to experiment with new variations, here are some useful tips and storage suggestions:
STORAGE, TIPS, AND VARIATIONS:
Storage:
Store the marinated zucchini in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the zucchini slices are well submerged in the marinade to keep them fresh.
Tips:
For a more intense flavor, let the zucchini marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight.
If you prefer a milder taste, remove the garlic from the marinade after a few hours.
Before serving the zucchini, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so the extra virgin olive oil warms slightly.
You can accompany the zucchini with toasted bread or croutons.
Variations:
Add other vegetables to the marinade, such as julienned peppers or carrots.
Replace the mint with other aromatic herbs like thyme or oregano.
Add a pinch of chili pepper to the marinade for a spicy touch.
Add a few drops of balsamic vinegar before serving.
Add a few arugula leaves before serving.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about marinated zucchini, to clear up any doubts and provide you with further creative ideas:
FAQ
Can I use other types of vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to vary the taste of the marinade. Apple cider vinegar will add a slightly sweet note, while balsamic vinegar will bring a richer and tangy flavor.
Are marinated zucchini suitable for vegans?
Absolutely yes! This recipe is completely vegan and can be a great option for those following a plant-based diet.
Can I add other ingredients to the marinade to make it richer?
Of course! You can enrich the marinade with Taggiasca olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a pinch of chili pepper for a spicy touch.
How can I use marinated zucchini to create an appetizing starter?
You can create marinated zucchini rolls by filling them with fresh cheese, ricotta, or olive pâté. Alternatively, you can lay them on a board with croutons, cheeses, and cured meats for a tasty appetizer.
Is it possible to grill the zucchini before marinating them?
Yes, lightly grilling the zucchini before marinating them can intensify the flavor and provide a softer texture. Just be sure to let them cool before adding the marinade.
