Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish or light meal? Look no further! This recipe for sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, and onions is the perfect answer. It's ready in under 20 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a burst of fresh, summery goodness. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. This delicious dish is perfect as a healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, and adds a wonderful homemade touch to any table. It's one of the best recipes for utilizing seasonal vegetables!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese for topping
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Slice the zucchini, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother and faster.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and slightly softened. This step allows the onions to release their sweetness.
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Add Garlic and Zucchini: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the sliced zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften but still retains a slight bite.
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Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the halved tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and the flavors to meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or a light vegetarian meal. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add some protein: Include cooked chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Fresh is best: If you have fresh oregano and basil, use about 1 tablespoon of each instead of the dried herbs.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked zucchini will become mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
This simple recipe is a great example of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your preferences. Enjoy this delicious and healthy addition to your homemade cooking repertoire! It’s a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas for those busy weeknights.