**Olive Zucchini Spread: A Delightful Appetizer with a Twist**
Zucchini, a versatile summer squash, takes center stage in this unique and flavorful olive zucchini spread. This delectable dip combines the refreshing taste of zucchini with the tangy brininess of olives, creating a savory and addictive spread that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party, looking for a healthy snack, or simply want to try something new, this olive zucchini spread is sure to impress. With its vibrant green color and irresistible taste, it will quickly become a favorite among your friends and family. This article provides two variations of the spread: a classic version that utilizes fresh zucchini and a roasted version that adds an extra layer of flavor and depth. Both recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients, making them accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary journey to create this delightful olive zucchini spread.
ROASTED VEGETABLE SPREAD
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories appetizer
Time 1h
Yield 1 3/4 cups spread
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the bell pepper, onion, garlic, zucchini, and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl and toss until the vegetables are coated. Spread the vegetables evenly on sheet pan lined with foil and place to the oven. Roast, tossing occasionally, until they are soft and are beginning to turn brown around the edges, approximately 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Place the vegetables in the bowl of a food processor along with the cream cheese and process until well combined and spreadable; do not process until completely smooth.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on soft bread, such as challah, foccacia, or pita bread. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
ZUCCHINI CAPONATA WITH OLIVE DIRT
Steps:
- Heat a wide saute pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the zucchini and let caramelize, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add the capers, raisins, basil and thyme. Deglaze with the vinegar. Add the pureed yellow tomato. Cook over high heat until everything is coated and mixed together, about 3 minutes. Season with sugar and some salt and pepper.
- Bring neutral oil to 375 degrees F in a deep-fryer. (See Cook's Note.) Place pine nuts in a mesh strainer, then lower them carefully into the oil and let fry until golden. Lift back out to a paper towel-lined tray and season lightly with salt.
- Put zucchini caponata into a bowl. Sprinkle pine nuts and Olive Dirt on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and basil buds.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pulse olives, panko, flour, butter, cocoa powder and some salt in a food processor until it resembles wet dirt. Spread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and toast in the oven, 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then pulse again in food processor.
CREAMY ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA SPREAD
Serve this Mediterranean-inspired dip at your next get-together. Just as creamy as hummus but with a touch of creamy ricotta and bright lemon zest, it's sure to be a hit.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a medium nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add zucchini, garlic, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and golden brown in spots, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool to room temperature (or refrigerate, up to overnight; bring to room temperature before continuing). Add ricotta, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 75 g, Fat 5 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 4 g
OLIVE OIL ZUCCHINI BREAD
This moist loaf, made with olive oil and yogurt, is less sweet and more complexly flavored than most zucchini breads. Grated lemon zest gives a gentle brightness, while brown sugar adds a caramel sweetness, and cinnamon makes it spicy and rich. Serve slices plain or buttered, or spread thickly with cream cheese for a more tangy and luscious variation.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories breads, dessert
Time 1h30m
Yield One 8-inch loaf
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, use a rubber spatula to mix together the grated zucchini, sugar, olive oil, yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, lemon zest and spices in a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in the walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 to 55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. The bread will be done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a rack completely before cutting and serving.
OVEN-ROASTED ZUCCHINI
Vibrantly colored, mouth-watering collard-peanut pesto adds flair to this zucchini recipe that brings out the best of zucchini and other squashes.
Provided by Bryant Terry
Categories Side Dinner Lunch Summer Fall Zucchini Squash miso Soy Free Vegetarian Vegan Bake
Yield Makes 4 servings; 1 cup pesto
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Make the pesto
- In a food processor, combine the collards, peanuts, miso, and garlic and blend until it forms a chunky paste. While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the feed tube, adding more if needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice to taste. Set aside.
- Make the zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini with the olive oil and salt, then spread the zucchini over the baking sheet in one even layer. Roast until the zucchini is brown around the edges, 18 to 20 minutes. To serve, transfer the zucchini to a bowl and give it a few turns of pepper. Next, drop in a few heaping dollops of pesto so that people can scoop as much as they'd like when serving themselves, adding more pesto to the bowl as needed. Pile the peanuts in a small serving bowl and present alongside the zucchini.
- For any leftover pesto, pour a thin layer of olive oil over it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Choose ripe zucchini and firm olives. This will help you achieve the best flavor and texture in your spread.
- Roast the zucchini before using it. Roasting the zucchini concentrates its flavor and makes it easier to blend.
- Use a food processor to blend the zucchini and olives until smooth. This will help you achieve a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Season the spread with your favorite herbs and spices. Some good options include garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the spread with crackers, bread, or vegetables. It can also be used as a sandwich spread or dip.
Conclusion:
Olive zucchini spread is a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for something new to try, give this recipe a try.
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