Description
Savory skillet zucchini and mushrooms sizzle with herbal Mediterranean charm. Fresh ingredients combine for a quick side dish that delights those seeking simple, flavorful vegetable goodness you can enjoy alongside any main course.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium flame, creating a smooth cooking surface for the vegetables.
- Mushroom Caramelization: Sauté sliced mushrooms until they turn golden brown and release their natural juices, developing a rich, deep flavor profile for approximately 5-6 minutes while stirring periodically.
- Zucchini Integration: Add zucchini to the pan, gently combining with mushrooms and cooking for 4-5 minutes to achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and slight crispness.
- Flavor Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring vigorously for 1-2 minutes to unlock the full aromatic potential of the herbs and spices.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to elevate both visual presentation and taste experience.
- Serving: Plate immediately while piping hot, offering a versatile side dish that complements various main courses or stands beautifully as a light, nutritious vegetable medley.
Notes
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat zucchini and mushrooms dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper caramelization and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Control Heat Intensity: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown edges without burning the vegetables, which helps develop deeper flavors.
- Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add garlic and spices towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and preserve their vibrant aromatic qualities.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version or use dairy-free butter alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg