Okay, the whole zucchini thing is not as adversarial as it sounds. However, considering that I planted exactly two zucchini seeds, the level of vegetable production I'm experiencing is almost alarming.
On June 23rd, I took a couple of photos of some adorable little zucchini plants that were just forming and still had yellow blossoms on their tips.
One rainstorm later and on July 1st I had a nice harvest of two good-sized squashes, two cucumbers and a handful of grape tomatoes.
Pay no attention to my filthy car upholstery. Look at the beautiful vegetables!
Three days later I stopped by my garden to water and picked another moderately-sized zucchini, two more cucumbers and a few more grape tomatoes. I took one last look at my smaller zucchini plant and discovered THE BIGGEST ZUCCHINI EVER hiding in the leaves. I can't believe I hadn't spotted it earlier.
You could seriously mess someone up if you hit them with that beast of a squash. It had to have weighed more than two pounds.
I got out my trusty Kitchen-Aid vegetable slicer attachment and shredded the monster zucchini. It produced six cups of vegetable matter.
First I made two loaves of zucchini bread. My husband had been chanting, "Zucchini bread, zucchini bread..." like a mantra ever since I'd told him I planted zucchini, so obviously I had to start there.
With the remaining three cups of shredded zucchini, I made a double batch of zucchini pancakes to accompany the grilled steaks we had for dinner last night. I followed the link in that blog post to Maangchi.com and made the dipping sauce she recommended to accompany the pancakes, using the largest of the jalapeƱo peppers I have growing outside my back door.
We will definitely be having those again. The dipping sauce alone was so good that I want to dip all my food in it forever.
Tonight I made a pretty pedestrian batch of spaghetti with sauce from a jar, but of course included a sliced zucchini because these things are not going to stop growing. I still have two more waiting to be used and I wouldn't be surprised if there's a new crop ready for picking before the end of the week.
So do you have any recipes for zucchini that are interesting, delicious, unusual or otherwise worth passing along? I think I'm going to need them!
Quarter them, salt, pepper & garlic and toss them on the grill for 3-4 min both sides. Then, you gather up what is still left over and bring them to MEEEE!
Posted by: kcyogachick | July 05, 2011 at 09:55 PM
I second grilling. I'd recommend zucchini fritters but it appears you already make those. Maybe a cole slaw that includes shredded zucchini?
Posted by: MLE | July 05, 2011 at 09:59 PM
OMG Zucchini bread is my FAV! You know you can freeze cut-up zucchini without blancing? Did that last summer with good success, especially if you are freezing to bake with later (versus stir-fry).
I'm jealous. I don't have enough land to plant zucchini. :-(
Posted by: Goofy Girl | July 05, 2011 at 10:07 PM
I meant "blanching". Not sure what "blancing" is...
Posted by: Goofy Girl (again) | July 05, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Slice some up and toss in omelets. Slice others up and add to salads. Scoop some of the innards out and create a stuffed pepper type concoction and bake 'em. Experiment with wrapping those in foil and throwing them on the grill. My neighbor (86) is growing those and I help her out with them. Between us we almost have enough friends to stay even with those plants.
Posted by: another sue | July 06, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Oh, and zucchini pickles and zucchini relish, if you really want to get involved. But grinding/shredding it and tossing it into the freezer for winter baking is always good. Breads, cakes, cookies, what's not to love?
Posted by: another sue | July 06, 2011 at 08:00 AM
we love grilled zucchini but we also love pan roasting it in the oven with mushrooms, onions and yellow squash, we just toss in olive oil, salt and pepper all the veggies, sprinkle on some basil (I have always just used dried)... and roast them in a hot oven.... YUM
Posted by: Melanie | July 06, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Next year, you want to see some real propagating, plant 2 cantaloupe seeds...
Posted by: Nick | July 06, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Zucchini is fantastic on shish kebab. Cut one into 1" cubes and add mushrooms, pinapple, cherry tomatos, red pepper, your favourite marinated meat, and BBQ sauce. Grill and enjoy over white rice. Nom.
Posted by: Lisa | July 06, 2011 at 10:39 PM
My sis used to say zucchini seeds should be sold one seed to a package...nobody needs 2 zucchini plants!
Posted by: Suebob | July 07, 2011 at 11:07 AM
I did not know it was this easy to grow them. Next year, we'll skip a few peppers and go with zucchini.
Posted by: Julie @ mamamash | July 09, 2011 at 11:26 AM