Homestyle Zucchini & Tomatoes
Submitted by Boni
Zucchini and tomatoes simmered with garlic, basil and a savory onion soup mix into a quick stovetop side. A vegan way to use up summer squash, ready in about 30 minutes and microwaveable too.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
15 minREADY
30 minWhen the garden hands you more zucchini than you know what to do with, this quick skillet side is an easy answer. Thin-sliced zucchini and garlic get a brief saute, then everything simmers with tomatoes, basil and a clever shortcut: a packet of onion soup mix.
That soup mix is the secret to fast flavor. It delivers the savory, oniony depth you would normally build by slowly caramelizing onions, but straight from the envelope.
A ten-minute simmer is all it takes for the zucchini to turn tender and the tomatoes to break down into a light, slightly thickened sauce that clings to the squash.
It is naturally vegan, comes together in about half an hour, and there is even a microwave version if the stovetop is busy. Serve it warm alongside grilled meats, pasta, or anything that needs a quick vegetable side.
Kitchen Tips
- Slice the zucchini thin and evenly so it cooks through in the short simmer.
- Do not overcook it. Pull it while the zucchini still has a little bite, since it softens further as it sits.
- Blend the soup mix smoothly with the reserved tomato liquid before adding, so it disperses without clumps.
Variations
- Add a can of chickpeas or white beans to turn it into a light main.
- Finish with grated Parmesan, or leave it off to keep things vegan, and a handful of fresh basil.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced bell pepper for color and heat.
Ingredients
Directions
In large skillet, heat oil and cook garlic with zucchini over medium-high heat 3 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, then golden onion recipe soup mix, thoroughly blended with reserved liquid and basil.
Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until zucchini is tender and sauce is slightly thickened.
NOTE: You can use ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for clove of garlic.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: In 2-quart casserole, combine zucchini with tomatoes.
Stir in golden onion recipe soup mix thoroughly blended with reserved liquid, garlic and basil.
Heat covered at HIGH (Full Power) 5 minutes, stirring once.
Remove cover and heat 4 minutes on HIGH (Full Power) or until zucchini is tender, stirring once.
Let stand covered 2 minutes.
Comments
