Fred'S Favorite Zucchini
A quick and flavorful zucchini dish featuring fresh zucchini, onions, tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for a light, satisfying vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a skillet.
- Add sliced zucchini, sliced onion, salt, pepper, and tomatoes.
- Cook, covered, for 12 minutes or until tender.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding minced garlic or herbs like basil or thyme to the zucchini mixture. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be used as substitutes. Using yellow squash alongside zucchini can add color and variety. Ensure the zucchini is sliced thinly for even cooking, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve alongside a fresh garden salad dressed with Garlic Salad Dressing for a refreshing contrast. It can also be enjoyed as a light vegetarian main course or as a side dish with Multi-Grain Bread(Yields 2 Loaves) for added heartiness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fred'S Favorite Zucchini contains roughly 159 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (237% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1906mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh zucchini for optimal texture and flavor. Frozen zucchini can become mushy when cooked, but if that's all you have, ensure it's thawed and drained well before using it in the recipe.
What type of cheese works best for this dish?
While the recipe calls for grated cheese, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar or mozzarella adds a nice creaminess. For a stronger flavor, consider using feta or goat cheese, which can complement the vegetables beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the skillet when cooking the zucchini. You can also serve it with a spicy sauce or hot sauce on the side to allow guests to customize their spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).