Are you tired of bland vegetable side dishes that leave you feeling underwhelmed? Get ready to transform your dining experience with this incredibly simple yet mouthwatering Steamed Zucchini and Cheese recipe! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's not only nutritious but bursting with flavor. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this Italian-inspired recipe will become your new go-to side dish that impresses everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the zucchinis and slice them into uniform thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even steaming.
- Prepare a steamer basket by filling a pot with about 1-2 inches of water, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer inside the steamer basket, making sure they are not overlapping to allow even cooking.
- Place the steamer basket over the pot of water and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Heat the water to a gentle boil and steam the zucchini for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still retain a slight crispness.
- Carefully remove the steamer basket from the heat and transfer the zucchini slices to a serving plate.
- Drizzle the steamed zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the residual heat melt the cheese slightly before serving hot as a side dish or light appetizer.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm zucchinis with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to ensure uniform, thin slices that cook evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the steamer basket - give your zucchini slices room to breathe for optimal steaming.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or tangy parmesan.
- Watch the steaming time carefully - overcooked zucchini can become mushy and lose their delightful crispness.
- For a gourmet touch, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best finishing flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
