One delightful and low-calorie dish you can make with just 2 courgettes (also known as zucchini) is “Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Sauce”. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly tasty and satisfying. Here’s how to make it:
Courgettes, also known as zucchini in some parts of the world, are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that are celebrated for their mild flavor, tender texture, and culinary versatility. These elongated green beauties belong to the squash family and are prized for their versatility in the kitchen, as they can be enjoyed raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to casseroles and baked goods.
At first glance, courgettes may appear unassuming, with their smooth, cylindrical shape and vibrant green skin. However, beneath their humble exterior lies a treasure trove of culinary potential waiting to be unlocked.
When it comes to flavor, courgettes are known for their mild and slightly sweet taste, which pairs well with a wide range of ingredients and seasonings. Their tender flesh has a subtle crunch when raw, making them perfect for slicing into salads or crudité platters. When cooked, courgettes become soft and buttery, absorbing the flavors of the ingredients they’re cooked with while retaining a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
One of the greatest attributes of courgettes is their versatility in the kitchen. They can be grilled, roasted, sautéed, steamed, or even spiralized into noodles, offering endless possibilities for creative culinary exploration. Whether served as a simple side dish, incorporated into pasta dishes, stuffed with savory fillings, or baked into muffins and cakes, courgettes lend themselves to a wide range of cooking techniques and flavor profiles.
In addition to their culinary versatility, courgettes are also prized for their nutritional value. They’re low in calories and rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Their high water content also makes them hydrating and refreshing, particularly during the hot summer months.
From the crisp crunch of raw courgette ribbons to the silky smoothness of a creamy courgette soup, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this humble vegetable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, courgettes offer endless opportunities to get creative in the kitchen and delight your taste buds with their delicious flavor and versatility. So the next time you’re perusing the produce aisle, don’t overlook these green gems – pick up a few courgettes and let your culinary imagination run wild!
Ingredients:
- – 2 medium-sized courgettes (zucchinis)
- – 1 tablespoon olive oil
- – 2 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- – 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, create zucchini noodles by slicing the courgettes into thin, noodle-like strips. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes (along with their juices) to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
4. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasonings to taste.
5. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the tomato sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the zucchini noodles are just tender but still have a slight crunch.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the zucchini noodles with tomato sauce to serving plates.
7. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini noodles before serving.
8. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious zucchini noodles with tomato sauce! Each serving contains only about 90 calories, making it a guilt-free option for any meal.
This dish is not only light and refreshing but also packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of zucchini while also getting your daily dose of vegetables. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to make that you’ll want to enjoy it every day!