Il Cucinologo
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Zucchini Rösti

17/11/2023

Zucchini rösti is a vegetable variation of the classic potato rösti, typical of Swiss cuisine. In this Italian version of the dish, zucchini takes center stage. It is a very simple and tasty recipe, perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 1 large potato (optional, used to give more consistency)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of flour (or rice flour for a gluten-free version)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg to taste (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil or butter to grease the pan
  • Grated Parmesan or pecorino (optional, to add an Italian touch)

Preparation

  1. Wash the zucchini, dry them and grate them using a grater with large holes. If you decide to use the potato, peel it and grate it as well.
  2. Place the zucchini (and the potato, if used) in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt and let them release their liquid for about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Squeeze the zucchini (and the potato) well to remove excess water. This step is important for achieving a crispy rösti.
  4. In a bowl, beat the eggs and add the well-squeezed grated zucchini, the flour, a pinch of salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. If you like, you can also add some grated Parmesan or pecorino to enrich the flavor.
  5. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
  6. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a piece of butter in a non-stick pan. When hot, pour the mixture in, forming a uniform layer like a large frittata.
  7. Cook the rösti over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until you achieve a golden, crispy crust.
  8. When ready, flip it with the help of a plate or lid and cook the other side.

Interesting Facts

The traditional rösti is a Swiss national dish that was originally eaten for breakfast by farmers in some German-speaking areas of Switzerland. The basic version is made only with potatoes, but over time many variants have been developed, including the one with zucchini which lends itself well to variations and additions, such as the proposed version with an Italian touch of grated cheese.