Welcome to the world of Italian cuisine! Today we will be preparing one of Italy's most beloved dishes - Zucchini Parmesan. This delicious recipe combines the freshness of zucchini with the rich flavors of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection. It's a simple and healthy dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The main ingredients of this recipe are zucchini, tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and Parmesan. While these are all common ingredients, there might be a couple of items that you don't usually stock at home. For instance, you may need to purchase fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, which can often be found in the dairy or produce sections of most supermarkets. Also, you might need to procure a good quality tomato sauce. Rather than going for the cheapest option, consider spending a bit more on a flavorful variety. It will significantly enhance the taste of your Zucchini Parmesan.
List of Ingredients for the Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
Zucchini: The star of our dish; it provides a fresh and light base.
Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Enhance the flavor of zucchini.
All purpose flour: Used to lightly dredge the zucchini, helping it brown nicely.
Vegetable oil: For frying the zucchini.
Tomato sauce: Creates a rich and savory base for the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick.
Fresh Mozzarella: Adds creamy goodness and melts beautifully.
Basil leaves: Imparts a fresh and aromatic twist.
Parmesan: Gives a nice salty bite and forms a beautiful golden crust when baked.
One reader, Donal Nadeau says:
This zucchini parmesan recipe is a game-changer! The crispy zucchini, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella create a perfect harmony of flavors. It's a delightful twist on a classic dish. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and healthy meal.
Essential Techniques for Making Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
How to slice the zucchini: Slice the zucchini into even, 1/4-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
How to dredge the zucchini: Lightly coat the zucchini slices with flour by gently tossing them in the flour until they are lightly covered. Shake off any excess flour before cooking.
How to cook the zucchini: Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat and cook the zucchini in batches, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded to achieve a golden brown color.
How to assemble the zucchini parmesan: Arrange the cooked zucchini slices in a single layer in a baking dish or skillet, then top each slice with tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, and mozzarella before baking.
How to garnish the zucchini parmesan: Garnish the finished dish with torn basil leaves for a fresh and aromatic finish.
How To Make Zucchini Parmesan
Craving for a cheesy meal? Then whip up a gooey batch of this zucchini parmesan, simmered in a herb-spiced savory tomato sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3zucchini,ends trimmed, sliced into discs
- coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1cupall purpose flour
- vegetable,or canola oil
- ⅔cuptomato sauce
- ½tspred pepper flakes,crushed, optional
- 1fresh mozzarella,(about 4½ oz), large ball or block, torn into small pieces
- basil leaves,small handful, roughly torn
- ⅔cupparmesan,(about 3 oz), freshly grated
Instructions
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Sprinkle the slices of zucchini with a small pinch of coarse salt and freshly-cracked black pepper on each side.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, lightly dredge the zucchini slices in the flour, tapping them on the side of the bowl to shake off excess flour.
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Heat ¼ cup of oil in a large skillet over high heat. When a pinch of flour sizzles on contact, add the zucchini slices in a single layer, turn the heat to medium-high and cook for about one and a half minutes on each side or until dark golden brown.
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Transfer the zucchini to paper towels to drain. Repeat in batches until all of the zucchini is cooked, adding more oil as necessary.
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In a 13×9-inch baking dish or oven-proof skillet, arrange as many slices of zucchini as one can fit snugly in a single layer. Top each slice with a small spoonful of tomato sauce, a few crushed red pepper flakes, and mozzarella.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and begun to turn a golden color. Add the parmesan, then bake for an additional 5 minutes.
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Remove from oven and garnish with torn basil. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 332.17kcal
- Fat: 13.59g
- Saturated Fat: 7.95g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.77g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.68g
- Carbohydrates: 32.60g
- Fiber: 3.17g
- Sugar: 5.75g
- Protein: 20.68g
- Cholesterol: 38.97mg
- Sodium: 722.80mg
- Calcium: 473.32mg
- Potassium: 596.60mg
- Iron: 2.81mg
- Vitamin A: 127.92µg
- Vitamin C: 29.29mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
When dredging the zucchini slices in flour, make sure to tap off the excess to ensure a light, even coating. This will give your zucchini a crisp, golden brown crust without becoming too heavy or doughy. Also, when layering the zucchini in the baking dish, try to avoid overlapping. This will allow each slice to cook evenly and the cheese to melt uniformly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Zucchini Parmesan
Prep ahead: Chop and slice the zucchini in advance to save time when you're ready to cook.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer can help you quickly and uniformly slice the zucchini for even cooking.
Double up: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
Organize your workspace: Set up your ingredients and tools in an organized manner to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the zucchini is baking, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant has a similar texture and mild flavor that works well in a parmesan recipe.
all purpose flour - Substitute with breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs can provide a crispy coating and add a different texture to the dish.
vegetable - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for frying and adds a rich flavor to the dish.
tomato sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce can add more depth of flavor with its herbs and seasonings.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a milder heat and a smoky flavor to the dish.
fresh mozzarella - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese can melt well and adds a slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
basil leaves - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh herb flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute.
How to Beautifully Present Zucchini Parmesan
Elevate the zucchini slices: Arrange the zucchini slices in a precise and visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and layered with the toppings.
Garnish with fresh basil: Add a delicate touch of freshly torn basil leaves on top of the zucchini parmesan to provide a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful drizzle pattern with a balsamic reduction around the edge of the plate to add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the zucchini parmesan on elegant, minimalistic serving ware that allows the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to take center stage.
Incorporate microgreens: Sprinkle a few carefully placed microgreens on top of the zucchini parmesan to add a subtle, sophisticated element to the presentation.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Introduce a few edible flowers, such as nasturtium or pansies, to the plate for a visually stunning and gourmet touch.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the zucchini parmesan and accompanying elements in a symmetrical and balanced manner to create a visually pleasing presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to allow the zucchini parmesan to stand out as the focal point, enhancing its visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Parmesan
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Vegetable peeler: A tool used to peel the skin off vegetables.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for draining and drying ingredients.
- Baking dish: A rectangular or square dish used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Oven-proof skillet: A skillet that can be used in the oven, typically made of cast iron or stainless steel.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral-flavored oil used for frying and sautéing.
- Measuring cup: A cup used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Spoons used for measuring small amounts of ingredients.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese or vegetables.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for flipping and serving food.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Cheese grater: A tool specifically designed for grating cheese.
- Microplane: A kitchen tool used for grating and zesting ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Zucchini Parmesan for Later
To store leftover zucchini parmesan, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the zucchini parmesan. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen zucchini parmesan, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Note: The texture of the zucchini may change slightly after freezing and reheating, becoming softer than when freshly baked. However, the flavor will still be delicious.
The Best Way to Reheat Zucchini Parmesan Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini parmesan in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the leftover zucchini parmesan on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as the zucchini may become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat your zucchini parmesan to perfection. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover zucchini parmesan in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the lid for the last minute to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated zucchini parmesan, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Zucchini Parmesan
The zucchini parmesan recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional eggplant parmesan. Zucchini is a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious. It's a perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a classic Italian dish.
Is Making Zucchini Parmesan at Home Cost-Effective?
This zucchini parmesan recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Zucchini is an affordable and versatile vegetable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The dish offers a delicious way to enjoy vegetables and is a great option for a budget-friendly meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Zucchini Parmesan Healthy or Unhealthy?
The zucchini parmesan recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it incorporates nutrient-rich zucchini as the main ingredient. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of tomato sauce adds additional vitamins and antioxidants. However, the recipe also includes some less healthy components, such as the frying of the zucchini slices in oil and the use of cheese, which can contribute to higher levels of saturated fat and sodium.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Instead of frying the zucchini, try grilling or baking them to reduce the amount of oil used
- Use a lighter cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella, or reduce the amount of cheese used overall
- Opt for a low-sodium tomato sauce or make your own sauce using fresh tomatoes to control the salt content
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers or eggplant, to increase the nutrient density
- Use whole wheat flour for dredging the zucchini to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the dish
Editor's Opinion: Why Zucchini Parmesan is a Must-Try
This zucchini parmesan recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic eggplant parmesan. The crispy zucchini slices are perfectly seasoned and provide a satisfying crunch, while the combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, and the finishing touch of fresh basil elevates the dish with its aromatic freshness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to showcase zucchini and is sure to impress with its delicious and comforting flavors.
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Why trust this Zucchini Parmesan Recipe:
This zucchini parmesan recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the natural flavors of zucchini. The use of fresh mozzarella and parmesan adds a rich and creamy texture, while the tomato sauce provides a burst of tangy sweetness. The zucchini is perfectly seasoned with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and the addition of basil leaves brings a refreshing herbal note. With a carefully crafted cooking method that ensures a crispy exterior and tender interior, this recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience.
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