Grilled Zucchini with herbs and cheese

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This recipe is by the amazing Ellie Krieger and it is a hit. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Grilled Zucchini 2.JPG
  • 3 zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 ounces reduced-fat soft goat's cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves (optional)
  • 1/3 cup basil leaves (optional)

Preparation:

Brush the zucchini slices with the oil on both sides. Season with salt and pepper. Place on a preheated grill or grill pan for about 4 minutes on each side, or until tender. In a small bowl combine the goat cheese, parsley leaves and lemon juice, mashing with a fork. Put 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture about 1/2-inch from the end of a zucchini slice. Optional: Top with a few spinach leaves and 1 small, or half of a large basil leaf. Roll up and place seam side down on a platter. Repeat with the rest of the zucchini slices.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and that it helps you live a better life. I would love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends and family!

Lots of love,

Judith

About Summer Squash:

  • Summer squashes (zucchini is a great example of one) are relatives of winter squashes (i.e. pumpkins), melons (i.e. watermelon), and even cucumbers
  • All parts of summer squash are edible, including the flesh, seeds and skin…Some varieties of squash also produce edible flowers!

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains very little overall fat; the fat it does contain is of the healthy kind (e.g. omega-3 fats)
• Copper
• Manganese
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• Dietary fiber
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Folate
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin B1
• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Niacin
• Vitamin B2
• Pantothenic acid
• Calcium
• Iron
• Choline
• Protein

Health Benefits:

  • Antioxidants: As an excellent source of manganese and a very good source of vitamin C, summer squash provides us with a great combination of conventional antioxidant nutrients. It also contains an unusual amount of other antioxidant nutrients, including the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin which are especially helpful in antioxidant protection of the eye, including protection against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

To obtain full antioxidant benefits from summer squash, eat not only the flesh, but also the skin and the seeds.

  • Blood sugar benefits: Metabolism of sugar in the body requires ample presence of many B-complex vitamins and fiber. These are found in valuable amounts in summer squash.
  • Anti-inflammatory benefits: The presence of omega-3 fats in the seeds of summer squash, the presence of anti-inflammatory carotenoids and the presence of anti-inflammatory polysaccharides make this vegetable a natural choice for protection against unwanted inflammation.

Selection and Storage:

  • Look for ones that are heavy for their size and have shiny, unblemished rinds
  • Choose those that are of average size. Overly large ones may be fibrous; Overly small ones may be inferior in flavor
  • Very fragile and should be handled with care as punctures will lead to decay
  • Should be stored unwashed in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about seven days
  • Skin is particularly antioxidant-rich; worth leaving the skin intact and purchasing organic summer squash to help avoid potential unwanted contaminants

In collaboration with Soul Food Salon, each week we will feature a delicious and seasonal ingredient (recipe + some interesting wellness facts). Please share pictures of your meals on Instagram using the hashtag #SoulFoodSalon and follow us at @JudithDuval and @SoulFoodSalon. We can’t wait to cook with you!