Quick Zucchini Side Dish With Toasted Almonds Recipes

ZUCCHINI PILAF WITH ALMONDS

Steps:

• For the rice: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place almonds on a baking sheet, and bake until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove, and set aside to cool.
• In a small pan over medium heat, add butter and rice. Stir until the rice is lightly toasted, 5 to 8 minutes. Add vegetable broth, allspice, and salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to very low so the broth barely simmers; use a heat diffuser if necessary. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the zucchini.
• For the zucchini: Place a large sauté pan over medium heat, and add olive oil. Add onion, and cook, stirring, until translucent and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini, coriander, cumin, cayenne and salt. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add rice and currants, and mix well. If the rice looks dry, add two tablespoons water. Cover, and cook until the zucchini and rice are tender, about 15 minutes. The rice mixture may be uncovered and quickly stirred once or twice, covering it immediately after.
• For the yogurt garlic sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, mint and a pinch of cayenne. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• When the rice and zucchini are ready, top with cilantro, toasted almonds and fresh black pepper. Serve immediately, with yogurt-garlic sauce passed separately.

QUICK SAUTE OF ZUCCHINI WITH TOASTED ALMONDS AND PECORINO

Steps:

• Slice the zucchini lengthwise 1/8th inch thick, then slice again to resemble matchsticks.
• Divide the oil between two large, heavy-bottomed skillets and heat over high heat. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, add half of the almonds to each skillet.
• When the almonds are golden brown and toasted (approx. 30 seconds), add half the zucchini to each pan and toss to coat zucchini with the hot oil. (You just want to warm the zucchini, not cook it.).
• Season with salt and pepper. Return to heat for about 30 seconds to warm through.
• Divide almonds and zucchini between four warmed plates and top with the sheets of pecorino.
• Serve while still nice and hot.

CREAMY PASTA WITH ROASTED ZUCCHINI, ALMONDS AND BASIL

Steps:

• Heat oven to 500 degrees. Toss the zucchini and oil with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Arrange zucchini on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast, tossing occasionally, until golden and tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a skillet over medium heat until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
• Simmer the cream and basil sprig in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 7 minutes. Whisk in the goat cheese until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in lemon zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and keep warm.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well. Toss the pasta with the cream sauce. Serve topped with the zucchini and almonds.