Grilled Zucchini

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

Ingredients

• Zucchini, as many as you like
• 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-style preparation, leave the slices immersed in a marinade of oil, aromatic herbs, salt, pepper and lemon juice for about 15-30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill or a contact grill (griddle for grilling) to a medium-high temperature.
3. Arrange the zucchini slices on the hot grill. If you have opted for garlic, you can rub it on the slices before grilling them to add extra flavor.
4. Let them grill without moving for about 3-4 minutes, so that the characteristic charred stripes form. Then turn them 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 plate.
6. Season with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt (if you hadn’t already salted the marinade) and, if desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top to add a touch of acidity.
7. Serve immediately as a side dish.

Trivia

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