Recipe-o'-clock: Cook this appetizing zucchini noodle primavera at home
Zucchini noodle primavera is a fresh take on the classic Italian primavera, which traditionally pairs pasta with fresh vegetables. This lighter version uses zucchini noodles instead, offering a healthier choice. Lacking a distinct origin story, the dish has risen in popularity due to its flexibility and straightforward preparation process. Now, let's prepare to bring this garden-inspired meal to your dining table.
Gather the following ingredients
To create this vibrant dish, you'll need two medium zucchinis, one bell pepper (any color), one carrot, half a cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one small red onion, two cloves of garlic (minced), one tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, one-half teaspoon of dried oregano, and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan diets).
Prepare your vegetables
Start by thoroughly cleaning all your vegetables. Transform the zucchinis into noodles by using a spiralizer, or alternatively, slice them into slender strips if a spiralizer isn't available. Next, julienne the carrot and bell pepper into matchstick-like strips. Thinly slice the red onion and cut the cherry tomatoes into halves. Once all vegetables are prepared, set them aside for the subsequent steps of cooking.
Saute the vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over a medium flame. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red onion, sauteing them until they emit a soft, aromatic scent. Follow this by adding the julienned carrots and bell peppers into the mix. Saute these vegetables together, stirring occasionally, until they reach a state of being tender yet retaining a desirable crispness.
Combine zucchini noodles
Add the zucchini noodles to the pan with the other vegetables, stirring gently to avoid breakage. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for three to four minutes, just until the ingredients are heated through. However, ensure the zucchini noodles remain slightly crunchy, preserving their texture. This careful cooking is key to the dish's success.
Final touches
Once all ingredients are well-blended and retain their vivid colors, remove the pan from heat. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes to preserve their form and freshness. Optionally, for an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables while they're still hot, just before serving. This final step adds a savory touch to the dish for those who prefer it.
