Get tips on the best way to cut zucchini, including how to slice, dice, and julienne zucchini, as well as the best way to cut zucchini for cooking.
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Zucchini Basics
Zucchini is a summer squash that can be eaten fresh or baked, grilled, or made into soup. Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C. It is also a good source of potassium.
What is zucchini?
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a green or yellow color and a cylindrical shape. The word “zucchini” comes from the Italian word for squash, “zucca.”
Health benefits of zucchini
Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash which can reach nearly a meter in length, but is usually harvested at half that size or less. Zucchini can be dark or light green, but the golden zucchini, a hybrid of the yellow crookneck squash and the green zucchini, is also available in many markets.
Its delicate flavor and texture make it a versatile vegetable to use in both raw and cooked dishes. When used raw, zucchini can be julienned or grated into salads for added texture and flavor. It can also be spiralized into noodles or chopped into chunks and used as a dipper for hummus or other dips. When cooked, zucchini becomes tender and its flavor is intensified, making it a great addition to pasta dishes, stews, soups and more.
Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C as well as potassium and fiber. It’s also low in calories and sodium and contains no fat or cholesterol.
How to select and store zucchini
Look for zucchini that are firm, with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid those with bruises, cuts or other blemishes. Smaller zucchini are generally more tender than larger ones.
Pick zucchini that are no more than 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. If storing for more than a day or two, refrigerate in a plastic bag. Wash just before using.
To use zucchini, cut off the stem end and either slice, dice or shred, depending on your recipe. You can also leave the skin on or peel it off, again depending on your recipe. Zucchini is often used in savory dishes, but it can also be used in sweet recipes such as breads and muffins.
Ways to Cut Zucchini
Zucchini can be cut in many ways depending on how you want to use it. If you are slicing it for salads or stir-fries, you will want to cut it in thin slices. If you are making zucchini bread or muffins, you will want to cut it in larger chunks. Here are some different ways to cut zucchini.
Spiralizing
If you want to get really creative with your zucchini, you can spiralize it. Spiralizing is a popular technique that turns vegetables into long noodle-like shapes. It’s a fun way to change up your zucchini dishes, and it’s also a great way to cut down on carbs if you’re watching your intake.
To spiralize zucchini, you’ll need a spiralizer tool. These can be found online or in some kitchen stores. Once you have your tool, simply insert the zucchini into the spiralizer and turn the handle. The zucchini will be turned into noodles that are perfect for stir-fries, pastas, salads, and more.
Shredding
If you want to use zucchini in a dish where it will be mixed in or blended with other ingredients, shredding is a good option. To shred zucchini, you will need a cheese grater. You can use either the large holes or the small holes, depending on how fine you want the shreds to be. If using the large holes, you may want to cut the zucchini into smaller pieces first so that it is easier to handle. To shred, simply hold the zucchini against the grater and rub it back and forth until all of the flesh has been shredded. Be sure to catch the shreds as they fall so that they don’t end up all over your counter!
Slicing
For slicing zucchini, use a chef’s knife or a serrated knife. Start by cutting off each end of the zucchini. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half, and so on until you have the desired number of slices. To make sure your slices are even, you can line them up and cut them all at once.
Dicing
If dicing zucchini is what you need, then follow these steps. Start by cutting off the ends of the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half, length-wise. Slice each half of the zucchini in half, length-wise. Slice each quarter of the zucchini in half, length-wise. You should now have 8 long pieces of zucchini. Take each piece and cut it into small diced pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes.
Recipes Using Zucchini
Zucchini is a delicious, healthy vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you’re looking for a main dish, a side dish, or even a dessert, zucchini can be a great option. In this section, we’ll provide some recipes that use zucchini as a primary ingredient.
Zucchini noodles
If you have a spiralizer, use it to make zucchini noodles, or “zoodles.” If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a mandoline slicer to make thin strips, then cut those strips into noodles.
Spiralized or julienned zucchini makes a great stand-in for pasta in dishes like pesto zucchini noodles, raw zucchini pad thai, and creamy avocado zucchini noodles. You can also bake spiralized zucchini like you would traditional pasta, in dishes like this cheesy zucchini lasagna or this healthy zucchini casserole.
Zucchini fritters
These deliciously crispy zucchini fritters are perfect for a summertime appetizer or side dish. Zucchini is shredded and mixed with egg, Parmesan cheese, and a few simple spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill for an easy summertime treat.
Grilled zucchini
Preparation
-Wash zucchini.
-Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; then cut each half into 3 or 4 pieces.
-Brush zucchini with olive oil.
-Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
-Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until slightly browned and tender.
Serve hot off the grill!
Zucchini bread
Zucchini bread is a quick bread made with zucchini. It is often baked in a loaf or Bundt pan and frequently includes nuts and spices. Raisins are also commonly added.
