Stewed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce

Stewed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce Recipe - Vegetarian Macedonian Dish

Region / culture: Macedonia | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Stewed zucchini with tomato sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and onions cooked in olive oil creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Stewed zucchini with tomato sauce is a traditional Mediterranean dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This dish is a staple in Greek and Italian cuisine, where fresh vegetables are cooked in olive oil and seasoned with herbs and spices to create a flavorful and hearty meal.

Ingredients

1 kg small sized zucchini, cubed
3 medium sized tomatoes, cut into pieces
1 medium onion, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, mashed
1 cup olive oil
0.5 tsp sugar
1 vegetable cube
4 eggs
1 cup grated mitzithra cheese
parsley
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
Sauté the onions and zucchini.
Add tomatoes and the remaining ingredients (except the eggs and cheese).
Add some water and cook over low heat until the ingredients soften and absorb their juices.
Beat the eggs and cheese with a mixer.
Reduce the temperature and pour the egg mixture over the zucchini.
Cook until the eggs thicken.
Cover the saucepan and cook for a few more minutes.

Variations

Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use feta cheese instead of mitzithra cheese for a tangy twist.
Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the zucchini into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Cooking the vegetables over low heat allows them to soften and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

- Adding a vegetable cube enhances the flavor of the dish and adds depth to the sauce.

- Be sure to beat the eggs and cheese well to create a creamy and fluffy topping for the zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Stewed zucchini with tomato sauce can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice or quinoa. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil helps to develop their flavors and create a rich and savory sauce.

- Beating the eggs and cheese together creates a creamy and fluffy topping for the zucchini.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Parmesan or mozzarella.

- If you don't have zucchini, you can use yellow squash or eggplant instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stewed zucchini with tomato sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. - Serve the stewed zucchini in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Stewed zucchini with tomato sauce pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the stewed zucchini in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 300 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Zucchini: 6g per 1 cup

- Tomatoes: 7g per 1 cup

- Onions: 10g per 1 cup

- Eggs: 1g per egg

Fats

- Olive oil: 14g per 1 tbsp

- Cheese: 6g per 1 oz

Proteins

- Eggs: 6g per egg

- Cheese: 7g per 1 oz

Vitamins and minerals

Zucchini: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium

- Tomatoes: High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and lycopene

- Onions: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate

- Eggs: High in protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins

- Cheese: Good source of calcium and vitamin D

Alergens

Eggs

- Cheese

Summary

Stewed zucchini with tomato sauce is a nutritious dish that is low in carbohydrates and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.

Summary

Stewed zucchini with tomato sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and balanced meal option. Enjoy this flavorful and hearty dish with your family and friends for a delicious and wholesome meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Positano, Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills. She could take the simplest of ingredients and turn them into a feast fit for a king.

One summer afternoon, as I sat at the kitchen table watching Nonna Maria prepare dinner, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from a dusty shelf. It was filled with handwritten notes and splatters of tomato sauce, a testament to the many delicious meals that had been created from its pages.

Nonna Maria flipped through the yellowed pages, her eyes lighting up when she came across the recipe for Stewed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce. She explained to me that this dish was a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation. It was a simple yet flavorful dish that highlighted the fresh produce that could be found in our village.

As Nonna Maria gathered the ingredients and began to cook, I watched in awe as she transformed the humble zucchini into a mouthwatering masterpiece. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a mix of garlic, basil, and tomatoes that promised a delicious meal ahead.

I asked Nonna Maria where she had learned to make this dish, and she smiled as she recounted the story of how she had first discovered the recipe. Many years ago, when she was just a young bride, Nonna Maria had befriended a neighboring farmer who had an abundance of zucchini in his garden. Not knowing what to do with all of the produce, he had gifted her with a basket full of fresh zucchini and shared his family's recipe for Stewed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce.

Nonna Maria had eagerly accepted the gift and set to work in her kitchen, following the farmer's instructions to the letter. The end result was a dish that was so delicious, it had become a staple in her cooking repertoire ever since.

As I listened to Nonna Maria's story, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my heritage. This recipe was more than just a dish to me - it was a link to my family's past, a reminder of the love and care that had gone into creating it.

From that day on, Stewed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce became a regular feature on our dinner table. Nonna Maria would often make a big batch of the dish and invite our friends and neighbors over to share in the feast. The dish was always met with rave reviews, with many asking for the recipe so they could recreate it in their own kitchens.

Over the years, I have continued to make Stewed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and sometimes I throw in a handful of fresh herbs from my garden to brighten up the flavors.

But no matter how many times I make this dish, it always brings me back to that summer afternoon in Nonna Maria's kitchen, watching her cook with a skill and grace that I can only hope to emulate. The recipe for Stewed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce is more than just a collection of ingredients - it is a story, a connection to my past and a reminder of the love that has always surrounded me. And for that, I am forever grateful.