A straightforward range prime recipe for the proper pan-braised zucchini, Italian fashion. With only a few easy elements (from the pantry) we flip these zucchini sticks right into a divine candy and bitter mixture. These pan zucchini may be served as a light-weight principal dish, a aspect dish – along with German Rooster Schnitzel (Hühnerschnitzel), appetizer or perhaps a snack.


At present, we’re making a fast and simple recipe ( a favourite of mine) that requires a range prime and a pan. Nicely, a spatula, knife and slicing bord could be good too. However let’s not get carried away, lets.
Love zucchini, take a look at my recipe for the proper FRENCH stuffed ROUND ZUCCHINI.
Behind the Bites
Zucchini belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo, which originated in Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico and Central America). These squashes had been cultivated for hundreds of years earlier than being launched to Europe following the Columbian Alternate within the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries.
Early European sorts of squash had been fairly totally different from the tender inexperienced zucchini we all know at this time—they had been typically bigger, more durable, and harvested when mature somewhat than younger. The fashionable inexperienced zucchini was really developed in Italy, significantly in northern areas, in the course of the nineteenth century. Actually the phrase “zucchini” comes from the Italian zucchino (“small squash”), often with a inexperienced peel.
At present, zucchini is a staple in Italian kitchens and a core ingredient of the Mediterranean weight loss program. Italy stays one in every of Europe’s largest producers, as Italy’s fruit and vegetable exports reached about €6.7 billion in 2025 in line with some official knowledge.
Elements and Substitutions
- Zucchini – ideally with darkish inexperienced peel as they’re barely firmer and thus higher for pan cooking in my opinion.
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Cashew nuts – or different nuts of selection
- Sugar – I want brown sugar
- Oregano – recent or dried
- Dill – recent tastes greatest
- Salt – to style
How you can put together the Italian pan-braised zucchini?
1st: Lower the washed zucchini into skinny stripes (however not too skinny, pinky finger measurement). Sauté for some time in olive oil on low warmth. Cowl with lid.




2nd: Subsequent add within the lemon juice, sugar (dissolve in lemon 1st) and cashew nuts. Sprinkle with oregano, dill and sea salt and let prepare dinner till zucchini are cooked. Stir steadily and canopy with a lid if wanted.




Italian braised zucchini (candy and bitter)
Straightforward range prime Italian – fashion braised zucchini with cashew nuts – in a candy and bitter sauce. Scrumptious and simple mild summer time meal or a aspect dish (appetizer) for any event.
Forestall your display screen from going darkish
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First, wash zucchini and take away the highest and backside. Then, reduce into skinny stripes lengthwise. Lower every stripe in two.
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Then, add olive oil and zucchini right into a preheated non-stick pan and braise on all sides till zucchini change colour.
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Subsequent, in a small bowl squeeze the lemon juice and blend with the sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar fully.
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Lower the cashew nuts and add to the pan with zucchini along with the lemon-sugar sauce.
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Sprinkle with oregano and dill, season with salt to style and let zucchini prepare dinner effectively on all sides. Stir steadily and add extra oil if wanted.
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Lastly, when zucchini are cooked (ought to be crunchy and never mushy), take away from range prime and serve instantly.
Suggestions:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – the style will change if extra zucchini are added.
- Stir steadily to stop zucchini from sticking to pan
- Use lid to start with of cooking to lure among the zucchini juices within the pan. Take away lid on the finish of cooking.
Serving: 1 particular person | Energy: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fats: 42g | Saturated Fats: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 5g | Monounsaturated Fats: 28g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 1038mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 642IU | Vitamin C: 81mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 4mg
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