ZUCCHINI SEASON IS HERE, ZUCCHINI SEASON IS HERE!
When this delicious squash comes into it's season, it comes in abundance. Here is a way to save zucchini and turn it into many future fresh and healthy meals.The recipe is for a basic freezer mix. When I pull it out of the freezer it can be turned into a meal for every taste!
ORIENTAL ZUCCHINI: Add 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 can bean sprouts, 1 can sliced water chestnuts, 1/2 cup sliced celery & 1 T soy sauce and 1 cup diced cooked chicken. Saute the raw vegetables first then add the thawed frozen zucchini mix. Serve over rice and top with crunchy noodles
ITALIAN ZUCCHINI: To the thawed zucchini mix, add 1 large can garbanzo beans and 1 small can sliced black olives. Add a small piece of Parmesan cheese rind, available at the deli counter if you ask and an inexpensive flavoring! Simmer until warm and slightly thickened. Serve over your favorite pasta and top 1 cooked Italian sausage with grated Parmesan cheese.
Souper Zucchini: In a large stockpot add 32 oz. chicken or vegetable stock, 15 oz. crushed tomatoes, thawed zucchini mix, 1 can or package frozen lima beans, 1 can or package frozen corn, 1 can or package frozen peas. Simmer until hot. Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley. Ladle piping hot soup into bowls and serve with warm, crusty bread.
Any of these variations can be changed to your taste, I cannot think of a vegetable that won't work. Meat can be added but the vegetables will stand alone for an excellent vegetarian meal.
The following recipe is for Zucchini Ragu. The basic freezer zucchini mix with added meat tomato sauce served over spaghetti. My family's favorite!