Zucchini Sticks

Zucchini Sticks Recipe from Italy | Ingredients: oil, eggs, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, zucchini, bread crumbs

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zucchini sticks are a delicious and crispy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. These tasty treats are perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun and easy appetizer.

History

Zucchini sticks are believed to have originated in Italy, where zucchini is a popular vegetable in Mediterranean cuisine. The recipe has since spread to other parts of the world, becoming a favorite snack for many.

Ingredients

2 qt (1.89 liters) oil for frying
4 eggs
0.25 cup heavy cream
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 tsp salt
3 zucchini, quartered
0.75 cup Italian-style dry bread crumbs

How to prepare

Preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy saucepan or deep fryer.
In a blender, combine the eggs, whipped cream, pepper, and salt.
Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl.
Slice the zucchini into pieces measuring 2 to 3 inches long.
Dip the zucchini pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them with bread crumbs.
Carefully place the battered zucchini pieces in the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn brown and crispy.
Drain the fried zucchini pieces on a paper towel.
Repeat the frying process until all the zucchini slices have been cooked.

Variations

Try adding Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat the oil to the correct temperature before frying the zucchini sticks to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Use Italian-style dry bread crumbs for a flavorful coating on the zucchini sticks.

- Be careful when frying the zucchini sticks, as hot oil can cause burns. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully place the zucchini in the oil and remove them once they are cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve zucchini sticks with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the best technique for making zucchini sticks, as it creates a crispy coating on the outside while keeping the zucchini tender on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond milk or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the zucchini sticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve zucchini sticks on a platter with fresh herbs for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Zucchini sticks pair well with a variety of dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches, or salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover zucchini sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of zucchini sticks contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of zucchini sticks contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of zucchini sticks contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of zucchini sticks contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (heavy cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Zucchini sticks are a tasty snack that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. However, they are also high in fat due to the frying process.

Summary

Zucchini sticks are a delicious and crispy snack that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them on their own or as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Zucchini Sticks. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret, who had just returned from a trip to Italy. She had brought back a cookbook filled with delicious recipes she had learned while traveling through the picturesque countryside.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen flipping through the pages of the cookbook, my eyes landed on a recipe for Zucchini Sticks. The vibrant photos of golden, crispy zucchini sticks sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and herbs made my mouth water. I had never tried anything like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Margaret noticed my interest and smiled, knowing that I had a passion for cooking and trying new recipes. She explained that she had learned the recipe from a local chef in a small village in Tuscany, who had generously shared his secret for creating the perfect Zucchini Sticks.

Eager to learn, I asked Margaret if she could teach me how to make the dish. Without hesitation, she agreed and we set out to gather the ingredients we would need. Fresh zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and olive oil were all on the list. As we shopped for the ingredients, Margaret shared stories of her time in Italy and the delicious meals she had enjoyed along the way.

Back in her kitchen, we began to prepare the zucchini sticks. Margaret showed me how to slice the zucchini into thin strips and coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. She then drizzled the sticks with olive oil and popped them in the oven to bake until they were golden brown and crispy.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When the zucchini sticks were ready, we sprinkled them with a little more Parmesan cheese and herbs before serving them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to the rolling hills of Tuscany. The zucchini sticks were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. The combination of the herbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil was simply irresistible.

From that moment on, Zucchini Sticks became a staple in my kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a cozy night in. Each time I made them, I would think back to that day in Margaret's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new and delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have added my own twists to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs, cheeses, and even dipping sauces. But the essence of the dish remains the same - simple, fresh ingredients cooked with love and shared with those you care about.

I am grateful to Margaret for introducing me to Zucchini Sticks and for inspiring me to continue exploring the world of cooking and sharing recipes with others. The memories of that day in her kitchen will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the joy of discovering a new favorite dish.