5 Ingredient Zucchini Toast

Over the last months, several of the great friends of this website have criticized us with comments such as: Do recipes always need so many ingredients? Can’t you post one that is easier to make? Or this one: Don’t you have a recipe that can be ready in 15 minutes?

Regardless of their good reasons it is clear that sometimes we do not have the time or the courage to start cooking. The number of ingredients is a more objective discussion but, oh! There is nothing sadder in a house than an empty pantry …  So let’s us rectify a little. Looking at the upcoming summer vegetable season (peppers, zucchinis, tomatoes, etc.) we are bringing you a quick sautéed zucchini dish with only five ingredients and a more than good result. In other words, a dish with no excuses for not making it.

The truth is that cooking (or not) is a lifestyle. And, unfortunately, our current life goes at an alien pace dictated by the pressures of our day-to-day schedule. For many people, cooking is one more burden and here is where the system takes advantage and sells us its overwhelming catalog of prepared food, ultra-processed food, fast food, etc, etc. The final price is our health (and our pocket).

Nowadays cooking voluntarily and consciously is gaining in value. Cooking creates a space in our house where the rhythm is set by our hands, ingredients and its preparation. Cooking leaves aside the digital world and its mirages. It is a space to share small tasks, talk and leave behind most of the stress that surrounds us.

With the help of some planning, cooking at home becomes a revolutionary act, liberating us from the current system and it is still the best way to take care of our health.

To help you putting these ideas in motion we encourage you to try our 5 Ingredient Zucchini Toast. The humble recipe combines a crunchy base with the smoothness of zucchini and the creamy punch of fresh ricotta. A journey of fresh flavors: lemon zest, basil, olive oil and a light touch of sheep or goat cheese. Very Mediterranean? It can not be otherwise.

Zucchini toast 5 ingredients

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

15 mins

 

Author: Adapted from Chef Sá Pessoa

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini cut into ⅓ inch thick half moons
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 sprig of fresh basil
• 1 lemon
• ⅓ lb sheep's ricotta, goat cheese or mild vegan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 large slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, gluten-free, etc)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over low heat and add the minced garlic.
2. When the garlic begins to move over the oil add the zucchini, turn the heat up to high and sauté the zucchini for 5 minutes so that they are al dente.
3. Reserve them in a bowl and add the basil leaves cut with your hands, half a lemon zest and its juice on top.
4. Salt and pepper, taste and rectify.
5. In the same skillet, dip the bread in the remaining juices and lightly toast the slices.
6. Serve the toast with the zucchini on top and place the cheese on top.

Culinary Tips

The ideal result is zucchini slices golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. Turn up the heat when putting them in the pan and sauté them every minute. Do not lose sight of the garlic pieces, they cannot be burned, as soon as they are toasted remove everything from the heat.
Zucchini are very mild in flavor. Lemon and basil will make them shine. You can replace aromatics with mint, oregano, thyme, or any other fresh herb you prefer.

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