Spuma Di Zucchine Arrostite Di Positano Recipes

SPUMA DI ZUCCHINE ARROSTITE DI POSITANO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut thin slices from both ends of the zucchini, slice them in half lengthwise, and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Strew the garlic cloves about the zucchini, drizzle the whole with the olive oil, sprinkle on the sea salt, generously grind over the pepper, and roast them for 40 minutes or until the zucchini are very soft and nicely charred and the garlic is soft and deeply golden. Leave the zucchini and the garlic to cool a bit. Slip the skins from the garlic.
• In the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, process the zucchini and the garlic to a puree, add the cheese, lemon juice, zest, and the cream and process for 20 seconds to make a smooth paste. At the last, add the basil leaves and process a few seconds more.
• Turn the paste out into a bowl. Taste it, adding more sea salt should you desire it.

POLPETTE DI ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Combine meat with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well. Trim zucchini at both ends and cut into three parts each; then cut each part lengthwise into four sections. Take one of these sections with a bit of ground meat and press the two together forming a small oval ball. Roll it in flour and set aside on a piece of wax paper. Continue to make balls until you have used up zucchini sections and meat.
• Heat 1 cup of oil in a large frying pan. Dip floured zucchini balls in the beaten egg and fry in the hot oil until golden on all sides. Remove to paper towel to drain. When all balls are fried, transfer to a large skillet where they can fit, preferably, in a single layer. Add garlic and parsley.
• Dilute tomato paste with 2 cups cold water and add to skillet. Simmer for 15 or 20 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper to taste, and cook another couple of minutes to bring the flavors together.

ZUCCHINI PARMIGIANA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking sheet.
• In a shallow, medium bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, and oregano. Set aside 2/3 cup of the mixture.
• Place 2 egg whites in a small bowl. Dip zucchini slices in the egg whites, then coat with the bread crumb mixture. Arrange coated slices on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned.
• In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, parsley, and the remaining 6 egg whites.
• Spread 1/2 the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with 1/2 the zucchini, 1/2 the ricotta mixture, and 1/2 the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining bread crumb mixture.
• Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Serve warm.

FRITTATA DI ZUCCHINE (ZUCCHINI FRITTATA)

Steps:

• Preheat broiler (the one in your oven, not the BBQ grill).
• In a small frying pan over medium heat, warm two tablespoons of the olive oil.
• Add the onion and dried thyme (if using it).
• Sauté until the onion wilts (about five minutes).
• Prepare the zucchini by cutting off the stems and blossom ends, cut them in half lengthwise, and then cut them crosswise into thin slices.
• Add the zucchini, cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally (until tender but not mushy- about 10 to 12 minutes).
• Just before the zucchini slices are done, add the fresh thyme (if using it) and the basil OR parsley.
• Place the mixture in a colander to cool and allow excess water to drain out (about ten minutes).
• In a bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
• Beat in the salt, pepper, and cheese.
• Add the drained cooled zucchini and onion mixture.
• Pour the remaining two tablespoons olive oil in a flameproof 12-inch skillet or omelet pan and place over medium heat.
• When it is hot enough to make the eggs sizzle, pour in the egg mixture, making sure the zucchini mixture is distributed evenly.
• Immediately reduce the heat to low and cook the frittata gently until it is set (about 12-15 minutes).
• Be careful not to overcook the eggs.
• To finish cooking, slide the pan under the preheated broiler six inches from the heat until the top is golden (about 1-2 minutes more).
• Use a spatula to loosen the edges from the pan, slide the frittata out onto a serving plate.
• Serve warm or cold, cut into wedges.