Cook Recipes Recipe Paper Recipe For Zucchini

PAN-SEARED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Trim the zucchini lengthwise on two opposite sides to create flat edges. Discard or compost the scraps and cut the zucchini in half lengthwise into two planks that are about ½-inch thick. (If you're using larger zucchini, you may get three planks from each one). Pat them dry with a paper towel, pressing gently but firmly on both sides to absorb any moisture.
• Heat a large (12-inch) cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium high. Add the oil and heat until it's almost smoking. Add the zucchini, spacing them evenly in the pan and pressing lightly with a spatula so that the planks make contact with the pan. Sprinkle the tops with salt and pepper and cook for about 3 minutes, until the zucchini is nicely charred on the bottom. Lower the heat to medium, flip the zucchini, and season with salt and pepper again. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, until the bottom is charred.
• Turn the heat to low and add the butter, garlic and rosemary. Carefully tilt the pan, letting the garlic and rosemary cook in the butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the butter has begun to brown. Spoon the butter over the zucchini, and cook for another minute, flipping them a few times to coat both sides with the butter.
• Transfer the zucchini to a serving platter, along with the garlic and rosemary, and spoon any butter that's left in the pan on top. Top with coarse sea salt, lemon zest and red-pepper flakes, and serve hot.

OLIVE OIL ZUCCHINI BREAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, use a rubber spatula to mix together the grated zucchini, sugar, olive oil, yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract.
• Whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, lemon zest and spices in a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in the walnuts if using.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 to 55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. The bread will be done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
• Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a rack completely before cutting and serving.

HERB AND POTATO CRUSTED HALIBUT WITH CUCUMBER NOODLES AND ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• For the tomato water: Line a hand strainer with cheesecloth and set over a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic and a nice big pinch of salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times, scrape down the sides with a spatula, and pulse again. Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined strainer. Set aside to strain for 2 hours, giving it an occasional stir to redistribute the juices.
• For the cucumbers: Add the fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar and sambal to a large bowl and stir to combine. Trim the ends of the cucumbers so they are even in size. Using a mandoline, shave the cucumbers lengthwise on all sides, turning the cucumber when you get to the seeds. Discard the center with the seeds. Stack the shaved cucumber and slice lengthwise into noodles, about the width of linguine. Add to the dressing and sit for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• For the fish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Add the thyme, chives, parsley and potato flakes to a small bowl and mix to combine. Sprinkle the halibut with salt, then brush with the egg wash. Dip each piece of fish into the herb and potato flake mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the crust is tightly adhered. Place onto a sheet tray with the crusted side up and set aside.
• Heat a large saute pan with some olive oil and the smashed garlic over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan to infuse the oil with the garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden brown, a few minutes, then remove from the pan. Add the zucchini and cook to soften, 2 to 3 minutes, then toss in the corn and cook for another minute. Finally, add the diced tomatoes and season with salt. Cook for just a minute, then turn off the heat.
• Heat a large nonstick pan with some olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the fish, crusted side down. Cook until the crust is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip the fish, then transfer onto a sheet tray lined with a rack. Arrange the sliced tomatoes next to the halibut. Place into the oven and bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 125 to 130 degrees F when inserted with a thermometer, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Set up a deep fryer and heat canola oil to 350 degrees F. Combine the flour and wine in a small bowl and stir to make a batter. It should be the consistency of a thin pancake batter. If it's too thick, add a bit more wine. Dip the zucchini blossoms into the batter, then fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes, flipping halfway through. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate and season with salt.
• To serve: Place a slice of the roasted tomato on the bottom of a shallow bowl and top with the cucumber noodles. Add some of the sauteed zucchini, corn and tomatoes over the top, followed by the fish, crust side up. Garnish with the fried zucchini blossoms and micro basil. Pour some of the tomato water around the edge of the plate right before serving.