Best Way To Make Zucchini Spaghetti
As more people turn to healthier lifestyle choices, low-carb diets have become increasingly popular. One of the most popular low-carb alternatives to traditional pasta is zucchini spaghetti. Zucchini spaghetti, also known as zoodles, is easy to make and can be a great addition to any meal. In this article, we will explore the best way to make zucchini spaghetti and provide you with some delicious recipes to try.
Choosing the Right Zucchini
The first step in making zucchini spaghetti is choosing the right zucchini. Look for firm, straight zucchinis that are free from blemishes or bruises. The larger the zucchini, the more spaghetti you will be able to make. However, smaller zucchinis are often more tender and flavorful, so it's really a matter of personal preference.
Preparing the Zucchini
Once you have chosen your zucchini, it's time to prepare them for making spaghetti. Start by washing the zucchini and trimming off the ends. You can then use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into spaghetti-like strands. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline to create long, thin strips.
Cooking the Zucchini Spaghetti
Now that your zucchini spaghetti is ready, it's time to cook it. There are a few different ways you can cook zucchini spaghetti, depending on your preference. One method is to sauté it in a pan with a little bit of olive oil and garlic. Another method is to blanch the zucchini in boiling water for a minute or two, then drain it and toss it with your favorite sauce.
Delicious Zucchini Spaghetti Recipes
Now that you know how to make zucchini spaghetti, here are some delicious recipes to try:
Zucchini Spaghetti with Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 4 zucchinis
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- 1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Form the meat mixture into small meatballs.
- Heat a little bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Add a little bit more olive oil to the skillet and add the zucchini spaghetti. Sauté until tender.
- Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the meatballs back to the skillet and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Zucchini Spaghetti with Pesto
Ingredients:
- 4 zucchinis
- 1/2 cup of basil pesto
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat a little bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the zucchini spaghetti and sauté until tender.
- Add the basil pesto to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and pine nuts and stir again.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
Zucchini spaghetti is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. It's easy to make and can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you prefer it with meatballs or pesto, zucchini spaghetti is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So go ahead and give it a try!