Italian Zucchini

These zucchini cooked in an Italian seasoned tomato sauce can be used as a side dish for meat or pasta or can be used as a pasta sauce itself.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup (80 g) chopped onion
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped green bell pepper
• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter
• 1 can (6 ounces, or 170 g) no-salt-added tomato paste
• 4 ounces (115 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons (12 g) Italian seasoning
• 1 cup (235 ml) water
• 2½ pounds (1.1 kg) zucchini, cut into 3/8-inch (0.9 cm) slices
• 4 ounces (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a saucepan, cook the onion and green bell pepper in butter until tender but not browned.
2. Transfer the cooked onion and green bell pepper to a slow cooker.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and water.
4. Add the zucchini to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
6. To serve, spoon the cooked zucchini into dishes and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

YIELD:

• 8 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 189 g water
• 145 calories (54% from fat, 17% from protein, 29% from carbs)
• 7 g protein
• 9 g total fat
• 6 g saturated fat
• 2 g monounsaturated fat
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 11 g carbohydrates
• 3 g fiber
• 6 g sugar
• 142 mg phosphorus
• 118 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 126 mg sodium
• 688 mg potassium
• 967 IU vitamin A
• 72 mg ATE vitamin E
• 38 mg vitamin C
• 26 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• Serve this Italian zucchini as a side dish alongside grilled meat or pasta dishes.
• If desired, you can use this zucchini preparation as a pasta sauce by tossing it with cooked pasta.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables or herbs to the slow cooker.
• For a variation, try using different types of cheese such as Parmesan or provolone instead of mozzarella.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. It also freezes well for future meals.

Italian Zucchini is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or used as a pasta sauce. The zucchini is cooked in a delicious Italian-seasoned tomato sauce, creating a medley of flavors that is both satisfying and comforting.

This dish is easy to prepare, with the slow cooker doing most of the work. Simply cook the onion and green bell pepper in butter until tender, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with tomato paste, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and water. Add the zucchini and let it cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the zucchini to become tender.

The result is a dish that is bursting with Italian flavors and has a delightful texture. The zucchini maintains its shape and adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. The addition of shredded mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and cheesy finish.

Italian Zucchini can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or pasta dishes, adding a flavorful and nutritious element to the meal. It can also be used as a pasta sauce by tossing it with cooked pasta, creating a satisfying and comforting main course.

To customize this dish, you can experiment with different vegetables or herbs to suit your taste. Adding ingredients like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh basil can enhance the flavors and provide additional color to the dish.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish or a hearty pasta sauce, Italian Zucchini is a versatile and delicious option. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

In conclusion, Italian Zucchini is a flavorful and versatile dish that is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its Italian-inspired tomato sauce and tender zucchini, it adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness of this Italian-inspired dish.