Fried Zucchini

Fried zucchini is a simple and delicious dish, highly appreciated both as a side dish and as an appetizer. Here’s how to prepare them with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• Zucchini (as much as you like)
• Flour, as needed
• Frying oil (preferably olive oil for a more authentic taste)
• Salt, as needed

Preparation

1. Start by washing the zucchini and drying them well.
2. Cut the zucchini into rounds not too thin, about 3-5 mm thick, to prevent them from breaking during cooking and to have a pleasant texture.
3. Put some flour in a bowl and coat the zucchini rounds in the flour so that they are completely covered. This step will help to create a crispy crust during frying.
4. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat (the ideal temperature would be to reach 170-180 °C).
5. When the oil is hot, fry the zucchini in small amounts to not decrease the oil temperature too much. Let them brown for a few minutes, turning them once to cook evenly.
6. Once the zucchini have turned golden and are crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to remove the excess oil.
7. Season them with a little salt while they are still hot.

For an additional touch, you can add aromatic herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the flour, or sprinkle the zucchini with grated Parmesan cheese or grated lemon zest just after taking them out of the oil.

Curiosity

Fried zucchini can be accompanied by sauces to add extra flavor, such as tzatziki sauce or a simple mayonnaise flavored with garlic and herbs. In Italy, fried zucchini are often enjoyed on their own to best appreciate the flavor and crispness.