Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a simple and healthy side dish, ideal to be served on many occasions.

Ingredients

• Zucchini, as many as you wish
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
• Salt, as needed
• Pepper, as needed (optional)
• Aromatic herbs to taste (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano), as needed
• Lemon juice, as needed (optional)
• Garlic, 1 clove (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the zucchini and cut them into longitudinal slices about half a centimeter thick. If you want a more intense flavor and a more Mediterranean cuisine, let the slices marinate in a mixture of oil, aromatic herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for about 15-30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill or a contact grill (grill plates) to a medium-high temperature.
3. Arrange the zucchini slices on the hot grill. If you have chosen to use garlic, you can rub it on the slices before grilling to add flavor.
4. Grill without moving them for about 3-4 minutes, so the characteristic charred stripes are formed. Then turn them over and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Once both sides of the zucchini are well grilled and the zucchini are tender, remove the slices from the grill and arrange them on a serving dish.
6. Season with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt (if you haven’t already salted the marinade), and if you wish, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for a touch of acidity.
7. Serve immediately as a side dish.

Curiosity

Did you know that in Italy there is a high consumption of zucchini compared to other countries? Zucchini are extremely versatile in the kitchen and can be eaten raw, grilled, fried, stuffed, or as an ingredient in savory pies and pasta. Grilling zucchini is one of the healthiest cooking methods, as it requires little oil and preserves many of the vegetable’s nutritional properties.