Lemon-Basil Zucchini
A vibrant zucchini dish with lemon and basil featuring a creamy rice bake, perfect for vegetarians and those seeking fresh, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized zucchini ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt (optional) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 large yellow onions ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- juice of 2 lemons ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 3 ounces Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded spinach ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup wheat germ ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer rice, water, chopped onion, and minced garlic for about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Cube or grate Swiss cheese into the cooked rice and stir until melted evenly.
- Add shredded spinach, eggs, and low-fat milk to the rice mixture and mix well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Meanwhile, prepare zucchini by trimming ends, cutting in half lengthwise, and chopping into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add salt if using, minced garlic, sliced onions, and cook until softened.
- Add zucchini chunks and cook until tender.
- Stir in lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped basil.
- Combine the cooked zucchini mixture with the rice mixture.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through and slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the rice mixture before baking. If you're short on fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute, but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon. Don't hesitate to experiment by adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost, making it reminiscent of Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon-Basil Zucchini dish pairs beautifully with Parmesan Topped Asparagus or a fresh Tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course, and consider adding a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also complements grilled chicken or fish, making it versatile for various occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, ensuring they stay moist by covering them with a damp paper towel.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Basil Zucchini contains roughly 2690 calories, with 36g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 184g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (211% of the Daily Value), calcium (100% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1223mg per serving (53% 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 other types of cheese instead of Swiss?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preference. Each cheese will impart its unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer, and use a plant-based milk instead of low-fat milk. For the cheese, opt for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What can I serve this with for a complete meal?
For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with grilled chicken or fish. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the flavors well. Additionally, serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty soup can round out your dining experience.
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).