Sautéed Zucchini

Sautéed zucchini is a classic and very simple side dish of Italian cuisine. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 2 garlic cloves
• Fresh parsley to taste (as needed)
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the zucchini, dry them and cut them into not too thick rounds or into sticks, depending on your preference.

2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the peeled garlic cloves. Let them brown for a few minutes until fragrant.

3. Remove the garlic from the pan (or leave it if you prefer a more intense flavor) and add the zucchini. Sauté them over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking.

4. When the zucchini start to color, lower the heat and continue cooking until they are soft but still slightly al dente.

5. Adjust the salt and, if desired, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.

6. Just before turning off the heat, add chopped fresh parsley and stir to flavor evenly.

Serve the sautéed zucchini hot as a side dish for meats or fish, or even at room temperature.

You can vary this recipe by adding cherry tomatoes cut in half during cooking, giving an additional note of flavor and color to the dish. If you prefer a bolder flavor, at the end of cooking you can also add a bit of grated lemon zest for a touch of freshness.