Featured Recipe
Zucchini Ribbon Bake
By Kate
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Thin slices of zucchini tossed with herbs. Olive oil replaced with avocado oil. Garlic swapped for shallots. A hint of smoked paprika added. Baked at moderate heat until tender, slightly caramelized. Lightly seasoned, texture soft yet retaining some bite. Vegetable side or starter. Vegan, gluten and nut free. Quick prep, simple steps. Suitable for various diets. Versatile dish easily paired with proteins or salads. The zucchini ribbons arranged side by side to roast evenly. Gentle roasting brings subtle sweetness. No heavy sauce, just herbs and oil. Aromatic and straightforward.
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Prep:
15 min
Cook:
10 min
Total:
25 min
Serves:
6 servings
vegan
gluten-free
meal prep
vegetable dish
Introduction
Zucchini sliced thin. Not cooked mushy. Bake just until soft. No garlic but shallots instead—sweeter, subtler. Smoked paprika gives dark hints behind bright green ribbons. Avocado oil’s mild richness replaces olive. Salt and pepper as needed, simple. Tossed gently to coat, spread flat. Oven set close to 175 degrees Celsius, less than 10 minutes. Quick, minimal fuss. Perfect for diners avoiding nuts, gluten, lactose, dairy, eggs. No sauce layers overwhelming. Just veggies with a twist. A side, a salad component, or a starter. Textures delicate yet some bite remains. The aroma faintly smoky, herbal. Easy, clean, green.
Ingredients
About the ingredients
Mandoline slicing key to uniform thin ribbons that cook evenly. Using avocado oil reduces olive’s assertive flavor, smoother fat profile, better for higher heat. Shallots traded for garlic to soften bite, deeper sweetness released when roasted. Fresh oregano maintains herbaceous notes, substitution for thyme. Smoked paprika adds extra dimension, hints of fire without overpowering zucchini. Salt and pepper essential but minimal to let zucchini’s natural flavors shine. Measurements altered slightly: oil to 25 ml, spice toned down for balance. No nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs or honey—fully vegan and allergy friendly. Ideal for quick weekday meals or buffet trays.
Method
Technique Tips
Step one: oven preheating crucial for proper roasting. Set rack in center so zucchini ribbons cook evenly from above and below. Step two involves gently tossing ribbons with shallot, oil, spices—avoid bruising slices. Lay ribbons carefully in one layer to avoid steaming. Bake roughly 10 minutes—timing adjusted plus minus a few minutes for oven type and zucchini thickness. Goal: tender but still intact, edges char lightly for flavor. Remove promptly, cool slightly before serving warm or room temperature. No stirring mid-cook to prevent breaking. Simple prep with no marinating needed, making it fast. Use tray large enough to avoid crowding. Serve as accompaniment to meats or vegetable dishes.
Chef's Notes
- 💡 Mandoline slicer is key. Cut zucchini 0.6 cm thick. Even slices cook uniformly. Avoid thick parts. Remove excess moisture. Less soggy result. Bake in one layer. Prevent steaming.
- 💡 Avocado oil choice matters. Mild flavor. Better for roasting. Higher smoke point than olive oil. Great for this dish. Essential to coat ribbons well. Avoid drowning them in oil.
- 💡 Keep it simple. Minimal spices. Just oregano, smoked paprika, salt. Enhances zucchini. Don’t overpower with other flavors. Let veggies shine. Fresh herbs add depth.
- 💡 Oven temperature crucial. Preheat to 175 C. Placement in middle. Ensures even cooking from both sides. Bake 10 minutes max. Watch for doneness. Tender but not mushy.
- 💡 Serve warm or at room temp. Pairs well with proteins. Great as a starter. Versatile with salads. Textures mix well. Some bite retained. Flavor thin but distinct.
Kitchen Wisdom
What if zucchini is too watery?
Drain sliced zucchini before mixing. Less moisture means better bake. Avoid overly thick ribbons. Airy layers help.
Can I add other veggies?
Yes, but balance needed. Carrots work, bell peppers too. Adjust cooking time. Cut thinner for even cooking. Mix flavors.
How to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container. Lasts for 2-3 days. Reheat in oven or skillet. Microwaving may mush them. Avoid soggy results.
What to serve with this dish?
Ideal with grilled protein. Chicken or tofu great choice. Also pairs with salads or grain bowls. Versatile and light.
