Grilled Zucchini and Recipe Ideas
Last weekend we had a big family get together, everyone was bringing a dish and I volunteered a garden vegetable. My neighbor just gave me a bunch of zucchini, perfect to feed a crowd. My Uncle helped me grill a big batch early in the day so I just heated them up for dinner and it freed up the grill for cooking the meat. I also do this when I have excess zucchini, summer squash, patty-pan and eggplant. Once they are grilled you can store them in the fridge and use them throughout the week. What do you do with them? The options are endless, check out a few of my ideas and be creative with your own.
Rinse zucchini, trim off ends and slice lengthwise into ¼ inch slices. Rub or brush both sides with olive oil. Place on a medium-hot grill, close grill and let cook for a 2-3 minutes. Using tongs turn over the zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. You will have to move the zucchini around on the grill depending on hot spots. When the zucchini is slightly charred and tender they’re done. Serve hot from the grill or at room temperature. Serve with salt or garlic salt and fresh ground black pepper. Jazz it up more by adding a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar and a smattering of chopped fresh herbs.
What to do with the grilled zucchini/squash/eggplant.
Grilled Veggie Appetizer Platter: On a platter arrange a variety of grilled veggies, some roasted garlic, olives, and shards of Parmesan and serve with grilled slices of bread. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over all. Then let everyone make their own, with a smear of roasted garlic, top with veggie of choice and a shard of Parm. Delicious!
Grilled Veggie Sandwich: on your favorite bread or wrap, spread with hummus and top with grilled veggies. Add cheese if you like. Or add it to a grilled cheese sandwich.
Pizza: Add grilled veggies to your favorite pizza or flatbread.
Quick Pasta Dish: Add to pasta, rice, couscous or quinoa.
Eggs: add chopped grilled veggies to scrambled eggs or an omelet.
Mexican:add chopped grilled veggies to burritos, tacos or quesadillas.
