Smashed Zucchini With Chickpeas And Peanuts Recipes

SMASHED ZUCCHINI WITH CHICKPEAS AND PEANUTS

Steps:

• Trim the zucchini ends and slice lengthwise into quarters. Position cut sides down, then smash with the side of your knife until craggy and split. Rip into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces. Transfer to a colander set in the sink, then toss with the sliced jalapeño, lime juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Let drain while you cook the chickpeas.
• Heat the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and peanuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are lightly browned and crisp, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the lime zest, sumac and a sprinkle of salt. Stir until fragrant, then taste and add more salt as needed.
• Shake the zucchini to get rid of any excess liquid, then transfer to a platter or plates. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then top with the chickpeas. Get a spoonful of everything and taste. Add salt and a squeeze of lime until flavors are bright and zingy. Serve warm or at room temperature (although the chickpeas will become less crispy as they sit with the wet ingredients).

MARINATED ZUCCHINI WITH FARRO, CHICKPEAS AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Rinse and drain the farro and chickpeas. Add both to a medium pot with 1 teaspoon of salt and add water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, skim foam from the top, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until farro is tender, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, divide your squash haul in half. With one group, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick planks. Reserve the other 1/2 pound for later.
• In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. When hot, add the zucchini planks in a single layer and leave undisturbed until golden-brown all over, about 3 minutes. Flip with a fork or pair of tongs, then cook until tender, about 2 more minutes. (You may need to work in batches, adding more oil if necessary.)
• Transfer browned zucchini to a shallow dish and, if desired, cut the planks into 2-inch pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and half the herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Pour about half the dressing over the zucchini and let marinate while you finish making the salad. Set remaining dressing aside.
• Use a vegetable peeler to shave the rest of the zucchini into ribbons (here's the easiest way: lay the zucchini on a cutting board, then drag the peeler across it). If your farro is far from done, you can preserve the zucchini strands by soaking them in cold salt water. Drain and pat dry before using.
• Drain the farro and chickpeas and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Toss with the reserved dressing and season with salt and pepper. Add arugula, zucchini ribbons, marinated zucchini, lemon juice and Parmesan shavings. Gently toss to combine, adding remaining zucchini marinade to taste, and season again if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and top with the remaining herbs.