Grilled Zucchini Terrine With Niçoise Olives And Herbs Recipes

GRILLED-ZUCCHINI TERRINE WITH NIçOISE OLIVES AND HERBS

Steps:

• Prepare the terrines: Using a mandoline or chef's knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into â-inch-thick strips, discarding the outside pieces that are mostly skin. Lay the zucchini slices side by side on 2 large baking pans, and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook each directly on a grill, griddle or cast-iron pan, over high heat, for about 1 minute per side, browning them but taking care not to overcook. Transfer to the baking sheets and let cool side by side.
• In a small bowl, mix the olives and herbs.
• Line 2 (5 ¾ by-3 ¼ by-2 ¼ -inch) loaf pans with plastic wrap, letting some plastic hang over the sides. Lay the zucchini slices side by side to form the bottom layer. (The zucchini will vary in width; you may need 2 or 3.) Overlap zucchini as necessary and trim long pieces to fit the mold. Sprinkle lightly with the olive-herb mixture, then put another layer of zucchini down. Repeat until the terrine is four-fifths full. No need to be perfect; every so often press the zucchini down to level it. Fold the extra plastic over the top of the terrine. Repeat with the second loaf pan.
• Put the terrines on top of a rimmed baking pan (to catch any excess liquid), and put an empty loaf pan of the same size on top of each terrine. Put another baking pan of the same size on top, and then a weight (about as heavy as a gallon of milk) on top of that. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, so that the flavors meld.
• Prepare the sauce: Remove the terrines from the pans, drain and reserve the excess liquid and unmold onto a cutting board. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tablespoons reserved zucchini liquid and the vinegar. Whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cut the terrines into 3/4-inch-thick slices and serve with the sauce.

GRILLED ZUCCHINI WITH HERB SALT AND FETA

Steps:

• For the herb salt: Combine the salt, oregano and thyme in a small bowl and mix to blend.
• For the grilled zucchini: Brush the zucchini planks on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle on both sides with some of the herb salt. Transfer the zucchini to a grill pan set over medium heat and cook until tender, about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove the zucchini to a serving plate and sprinkle with the feta.

GRILLED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Prepare the grill for direct grilling and heat over high.
• Working on a large baking sheet, brush the zucchini all over with oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
• Once the grill is heated, add the zucchini to the grates in an even layer, leaving about 1 inch between to avoid crowding. Cook, uncovered, until grill-marked and crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side. (The zucchini should tenderize in just the amount of time it takes to develop grill marks.)
• In a small bowl, stir the ricotta, if using, with a couple tablespoons of water until extra creamy; season with salt and pepper. Spread the ricotta mixture on a platter, then top with the grilled zucchini, piling it organically to gain some height. Though you need no garnish, you can top with fresh herbs, capers, a flurry of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice if you are feeling fancy. Drizzle with olive oil and serve warm or at room temperature.