Zucchini, my Dear friend

The sight of a zucchini, or courgette for our Bristish reader, might automatically brings back some traumatic memories from our childhood ? Was Mummy forcing you to eat this watery, tasteless green or yellow vegetables ? Well, Mummy was right to insist.

The Zucchini is one of the most interesting and versatile, thanks to its soft taste, vegetables around. Raw or cooked, in purée, soup, with pasta, "spiralized" in zoodles, in gratin or by itself as a side, zucchini can almost sneak in every dish.

Photocredit : marthastewart.com

Extremely low in calories thanks to its high content in water (only 15 calories for 100g once cooked), the zucchini is extremely beneficial for your health. Loaded with vitamins C and antioxidants, the zucchini is also very rich in antioxidants and fibers, without mentioning its high content in beta-carotene (think about your tan this summer !), potassium and magnesium.

Choose it preferably Organic and cook it with the skin using only a small amount of water if any to keep all the nutrients.

Widely available in UAE and even organically home grown (Koussa in Arabic), Zucchini are cheap and fast to cook.

Still not convinced because of its boring watery taste ? Try one of these 2 recipes and I promise zucchinis will always be part of your weekly grocery basket !

Zucchini with Za'atar and Labneh

For 3 pers. (as a side)

• 1 kg mixed Organic green and yellow zucchini

• 1 generous tablespoon of Labneh

• 2 teaspoons of Za'atar

• Olive oil

• Salt&Pepper

Instructions :

1. Wash conscientiously the zucchini, cut the tips and slice.

2. In a large pan, heat a spoon of olive oil over medium heat and throw the slices. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 6/8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the zucchini are soft. If they start coloring too much, reduce the heat.

3. Add the labneh, let in melt. Add the Za'atar, salt&pepper and stir.

4. Et voilà, enjoy !

Zucchini Comfort Soup

For 3 pers.

• 1 kg mixed Organic green zucchini

• 2 Tablespoon of Cream cheese

• Salt&Pepper

Instructions :

1. Wash conscientiously the zucchini, cut the tips and cut into large chunks

2. Add a bit of water in a saucepan along with the zucchini and bring to a boil.

3. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 15mn or until the zucchini are soft (check with the tip of a knife).

4. Transfer the zucchini into a food processor and add a bit of the cooking water (keep the rest to adjust based on the consistency you want).

5. Add the cheese, salt&pepper and mix. Add some more cooking water until you find the right consistency.

6. Serve with fresh ground black pepper.

7. This is the new favorite soup of the all family ! Yes even the kids will love it I promise :)

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