Zucchine a Fiammifero
by Carol Field
from Italy in Small Bites
(HarperCollins, 2004)
Serves 4 to 6
Choose firm, glossy zucchini for this light vegetable salad and steam them very briefly, so that they remain slightly crisp. Overcooking makes them watery, something to avoid at all costs. Toss them gently with the herbs, and serve forth a delicate and delicious dish.—Carol Field
convert Ingredients
8 small fresh zucchini
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced fresh rosemary
1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
Directions
1. Bring a deep pot of water to a boil. Set the zucchini in a steamer basket, place it over the pot, cover, and steam for a very few minutes, so that the zucchini are cooked but still slightly crisp and al dente. Remove, and allow to cool.
2. Warm the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saute pan over very low heat, and add the garlic; let it sweat so that the flavor of garlic infuses the oil. Add the minced rosemary and sage and let them wilt in the oil for a minute or two.
3. Cut the cooled zucchini into strips the size of kitchen matches, and place them in a salad bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice or vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, pepper, and the garlic-infused oil with the herbs. Toss carefully with the zucchini because it is very fragile. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe © 1993 Carol Field. All rights reserved.
