Zucchini With Ajo Blanco Dressing And Spiced Nuts Recipes

ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH AJO BLANCO DRESSING & SPICED NUTS

Steps:

• For the dressing, first soak the bread in water for 5 minutes. Drain the bread, then place in a blender with the almonds, garlic, vinegar, and 1/2 cup of the olive oil. Gradually add the cold water and blend on high for 30 seconds, or until a smooth purée forms. Add salt to taste, then set aside in a bowl until serving time.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F
• On the stove, heat a ridged grill pan or grill to high, until slightly smoky.
• Coat the cut sides of the zucchini pieces with 1/3 cup of the olive oil. Place them on the ridged grill pan and cook them, turning now and then, until they are branded all over. Place on a baking tray and finish in the oven for another 3-5 minutes-you want to cook them through, but leave a bit of texture and crunch to the zucchini. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
• Place the nuts and remaining olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat and warm through until fragrant. Transfer the nuts to a bowl, then season with the paprika and salt to taste.
• To assemble the dish, place the warm zucchini in a large mixing bowl, along with the herbs and nuts, and stir gently to combine. Season with salt to taste and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
• Dollop most of the dressing around the bottom of your serving dish, then arrange the zucchini salad on top. If desired, drizzle some more dressing on top for that creamy, nutty flavor and texture.

ZUCCHINI WITH AJO BLANCO DRESSING AND SPICED NUTS

Steps:

• 1 For the dressing: Soak the bread in water for 5 minutes
• 2 Drain and gently squeeze the bread, then combine it in a blender with the almonds, garlic, vinegar, oil and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 Gradually add the cold water and blend on high for 30 seconds or until a smooth puree forms
• 4 Taste, and add salt as needed
• 5 The yield is 1 1/2 cups
• 6 For the zucchini: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• 7 Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stove top until it sends up slight wisps of smoke
• 8 Brush the cut sides of the zucchini pieces with 1 tablespoon of the oil
• 9 Place them on the grill pan; cook, turning them over now and then, until char marks appear all over
• 10 Transfer to a baking sheet; finish cooking them in the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes, until they are barely tender yet still have a slight crunch
• 11 Cover loosely to keep warm
• 12 Combine the nuts and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring to coat; warm through until fragrant
• 13 Transfer the nuts to a bowl, then sprinkle with the smoked paprika and salt
• 14 To assemble the dish, place the warm zucchini in a large mixing bowl, along with the mint, parsley and nuts, and toss gently to combine
• 15 Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed
• 16 Dollop or smear most of the dressing around the bottom of a serving platter, then arrange the zucchini salad on top
• 17 If desired, drizzle some more dressing on top

SPICED NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Spread the nuts out on a large baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are lightly toasted, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• In the meantime, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Transfer the nuts to a serving bowl. Pour in the butter and toss to coat evenly. Serve warm or room temperature.