Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our Greek Taverna Style Zucchini with Lemon! This delightful dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursts with fresh, zesty goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-soaked taverna in Greece. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious side that pairs perfectly with any meal or stands alone as a light appetizer. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your dinner table? Let’s get started on this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and trim off both ends. Slice the zucchinis diagonally into approximately 1/2-inch thick oval-shaped pieces, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better caramelization and prevents steaming during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully arrange zucchini slices in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and slightly charred on the bottom.
- Flip the zucchini slices and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until equally golden and tender. The zucchini should be soft but not mushy.
- Remove zucchini from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly over the warm zucchini slices, allowing the citrus to enhance the vegetable's natural flavors.
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped dill, which adds a bright, herbal note to the dish.
- Serve immediately while warm as a side dish or appetizer, preferably with crusty bread to soak up the lemony olive oil.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Zucchini: For the best flavor and texture, select firm, medium-sized zucchinis. Look for ones that are glossy and free of blemishes.
- Uniform Slices: Make sure to slice the zucchinis evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. This will help you achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Pat Dry: Don’t skip the step of drying your zucchini slices! Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a nice caramelization without steaming.
- Hot Oil: Ensure your olive oil is hot enough before adding the zucchini. This helps to lock in the flavors and gives a wonderful char to the slices.
- Season Immediately: Season the zucchini right after cooking while it's still warm to allow the salt and pepper to adhere better and enhance the flavors.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh dill adds a burst of flavor, so don’t be shy! A good amount of dill will elevate your dish and bring that authentic Greek taste.
- Serve with Bread: For a complete experience, serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemony olive oil. Your guests will thank you!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 93kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
