Zucchini noodles

zucchini_noodles

Zucchini is a versatile and delicious vegetable that is often used in a variety of dishes. One of the most popular ways to prepare it is by turning it into noodles, also known as “zoodles.” Zucchini noodles are a healthier alternative to traditional pasta because they contain fewer calories and are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.

If you’re someone who’s looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, then this vegetarian zucchini noodles recipe is perfect for you. This dish is not only healthy and delicious but also easy to make, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

To start off, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, including zucchini, garlic, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can substitute the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.

The first step is to spiralize the zucchini into noodles, which can be done using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. If you don’t have either of those tools, you can also use a knife to thinly slice the zucchini into long strips.

Next, heat up some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Once the garlic is cooked, add the zucchini noodles to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To add some extra flavor and texture to the dish, you can also toss in some cherry tomatoes. Halve them and add them to the pan with the zucchini noodles. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are soft and begin to release their juices.

Finally, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt over the noodles. This helps to add a bit of creaminess to the dish and balances out the tangy flavor of the tomatoes.

This vegetarian zucchini noodles recipe is not only healthy and delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. If you want to add some extra protein to your dish, you can top it off with some grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as pesto or marinara, to switch things up and add even more flavor.

Overall, this vegetarian zucchini noodles recipe is an excellent option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. It’s a delicious meal that’s easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste preferences. So the next time you’re looking for a simple but satisfying dinner, give this recipe a try!

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium sized zucchinis, spiralized
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  3. Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic and red pepper flakes.

  4. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes or until the zucchini noodles are tender.

  5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!