Delicious Baked Slices of Zucchini and Feta Cheese
Zucchini and Feta Bites
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Total Duration: 50 minutes Number of Servings: 9
Slices of egg and zucchini complemented by crumbled feta and an assortment of fresh herbs!
Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini, grated and excess moisture removed
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped (or 1 leek, cut)
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons dill, minced (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 2 tablespoons mint, minced (or 2 teaspoons dried mint)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the zucchini, onion, green onions, dill, mint, feta, and mozzarella in a bowl.
- In another bowl, blend the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper, then incorporate it into the zucchini mixture.
- Whisk together the eggs and oil, then add it to the zucchini mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased (or foil-lined) 8×8 inch baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350F/180C for 40-45 minutes; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when finished.
- Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy!
Alternative: Include 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
Alternative: For the fresh herbs, use any blend of dill, mint, and parsley.
Alternative: Replace mozzarella with gruyere.
Pizza topped with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil
This simple Caprese pizza recipe merges fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil for an authentic Italian taste. Ready in moments with my guaranteed pizza dough advice!
Who can resist a delightful Caprese salad? I actually enjoyed one on the island of Capri in Italy during our honeymoon, which was a significant moment in my life! This tomato and fresh mozzarella salad has gained immense popularity here in the US, so I thought—why not take all those tasty elements and turn them into a pizza?
After more than ten years of pizza exploration and recipe experimentation, I’ve discovered that this dough and sauce blend is reliably outstanding. It’s perfect for dinner gatherings or even weekday meals, particularly if you whip up a quick pita pizza or naan pizza!
## Suggestions for flawless Caprese pizza
– **Utilize a pizza stone:** I cannot emphasize enough how crucial a well-preheated pizza stone is. I heat mine to 500°F for no less than 30 minutes prior to baking. This creates that crunchy bottom crust which is key to authentic pizza.
– **Refine your sauce skills:** For Caprese pizza, I keep my homemade pizza sauce straightforward—just quality canned tomatoes, garlic, and oregano.
– **Perfect the dough:** Whether you opt for my best pizza dough, thin crust pizza dough, or pizza oven dough, the trick is allowing it to rest properly. That 45-minute rest period gives the ideal texture and makes the dough easy to stretch.
– **Timing for toppings:** Add the cherry tomatoes and basil post-baking. This stops the basil from browning and keeps the tomatoes from releasing too much moisture onto the crispy crust.
## Variation ideas I enjoy
While traditional Caprese pizza is perfection by itself, I’ve tried several variations that my family loves:
– **Burrata Caprese:** Swap out half the fresh mozzarella with torn pieces of burrata cheese for an even creamier experience! Check out my favorite burrata pizza for more.
– **Prosciutto:** For a more filling version, you can add thin slices of prosciutto after baking. It pairs wonderfully with the balsamic reduction!
– **Arugula:** Occasionally I toss in a handful of fresh arugula along with the basil for a peppery kick that balances the richness (as seen in my arugula pizza).
– **Heirloom tomatoes:** You can also incorporate thin slices of larger heirloom tomatoes for varying textures and flavors.
## Serving ideas to create a meal
Caprese pizza is hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish, but I enjoy pairing it with complementary sides that enhance the Italian theme:
– **Begin with antipasti:** Offer an antipasto platter featuring marinated olives, cured meats, and cheeses.
– **Include a salad:** A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a nice peppery contrast to the rich pizza.
– **For entertaining:** Cut into smaller pieces and present as an appetizer alongside other Italian starters like bruschetta or caprese skewers.
## Storage and reheating advice
Caprese pizza is always best served fresh from the oven, but you can keep any leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
For reheating, skip the microwave and opt for one of these methods instead:
– **Oven:** Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly again.
– **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, place the pizza slice inside, cover, and warm for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
– **Air fryer:** Place a single piece in an air fryer and air fry for a few minutes until crispy.
## Dietary notes
This Caprese pizza recipe is vegetarian.
## Caprese Pizza Recipe
1. **Prepare the pizza dough:** Follow the Best Pizza Dough, Thin Crust Pizza Dough, or Pizza Oven Dough recipes to create the dough. (This takes about 15 minutes to make and 45 minutes to rest.)
2. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500°F or get your pizza oven ready.
3. **Create the pizza sauce:** Make the Homemade Pizza Sauce. (You’ll need about ⅓ cup for the pizza; keep the remaining sauce and refrigerate for up to 1 week.)
4. **Bake the pizza:** When the oven is hot, dust a pizza peel with cornmeal or semolina flour. (If you lack a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet or the back of a rimmed baking sheet, but a pizza peel is a worthy investment!)
5. Stretch the dough into a circle, and then carefully place the dough onto the pizza peel.
6. Spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce over the dough.
7. Sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese and grate the fresh mozzarella, then add a few pinches of kosher salt.
8. Use the pizza peel to gently transfer the pizza
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### About the Author: Holly Nilsson
Holly Nilsson is the imaginative talent behind Spend With Pennies, a site devoted to creating simple, comforting recipes that resonate with the realities of daily life. With a profound love for nostalgic tastes and streamlined cooking methods, Holly inspires busy home chefs to craft delectable meals that are both fulfilling and attainable.
Her cooking style highlights the significance of comfort food, making it approachable for everyone, no matter their cooking abilities. Holly’s recipes frequently take cues from classic dishes, reinterpreted for contemporary kitchens, ensuring that anyone can whip up these hearty meals at home.
In addition to her endeavors with Spend With Pennies, Holly is the author of “Everyday Comfort,” a cookbook that delves deeper into the theme of home-cooked fare. This book aims to motivate readers to find joy in cooking, presenting a selection of recipes that guarantee to warm spirits and dwellings.
For those keen on delving into more of Holly’s culinary works, her posts and recipes are available on her website.
#### Follow Holly on Social Media:
– [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/spendpennies/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ispendwithpennies/)
– [Twitter](http://spendpennies)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spendpennies/)
Holly Nilsson remains a beacon for home cooks in search of comfort and ease in their culinary adventures.
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Pasta with Fresh Tomato Marinara
**Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce: A Culinary Delight**
Pasta with fresh tomato sauce is an iconic meal that captures the spirit of Italian cooking. This straightforward yet delicious dish is loved for its fresh components, simplicity of preparation, and the comforting flavor it delivers. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a casual home cook, perfecting this meal can enhance your culinary skills.
**Ingredients:**
The charm of pasta with fresh tomato sauce is found in its straightforwardness. The essential ingredients consist of ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper. Choose high-quality pasta, like spaghetti, linguine, or penne, to enhance the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be included for added flavor.
1. **Tomatoes:** Select ripe, plump tomatoes for optimal results. Varieties such as Roma or San Marzano are perfect due to their rich taste and low moisture content. If fresh tomatoes are not accessible, canned whole tomatoes can serve as a good substitute.
2. **Garlic:** Fresh garlic cloves provide depth to the sauce. Modify the amount according to your taste for either a subtle or more pronounced garlic essence.
3. **Olive Oil:** A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is vital for sautéing the garlic and creating the sauce’s foundation.
4. **Basil:** Fresh basil leaves contribute a fragrant scent and a hint of sweetness. Incorporate them just before serving to maintain their bright color and taste.
5. **Seasoning:** Salt and fresh ground black pepper are essential for amplifying the natural flavors of the ingredients.
**Preparation:**
1. **Tomato Preparation:** Start by blanching the tomatoes. Cut a small “X” on the base of each tomato and submerge them in boiling water for around 30 seconds. Move them to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel the skins, eliminate the seeds, and dice the tomatoes into small pieces.
2. **Sautéing:** In a large frying pan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
3. **Cooking the Sauce:** Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the skillet. Mix with the garlic and olive oil. Let the blend simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. This generally takes about 15-20 minutes.
4. **Seasoning:** Flavor the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. If desired, a little sugar can be added to counterbalance the acidity of the tomatoes.
5. **Pasta:** While the sauce simmers, boil your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente. Preserve some pasta water before draining.
6. **Combining:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly, using reserved pasta water if necessary to reach the preferred consistency.
7. **Finishing Touches:** Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the pasta. Drizzle with additional olive oil and add freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you wish.
**Serving Suggestions:**
Pasta with fresh tomato sauce is ideally enjoyed right after it’s made. Serve it alongside crusty bread and a simple green salad for a full meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs wonderfully with this dish.
**Conclusion:**
Pasta with fresh tomato sauce exemplifies the notion that the finest meals often arise from the simplest ingredients. Its bright flavors and comforting nature make it a beloved choice among pasta enthusiasts globally. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and adhering to these easy steps, you can craft a dish that is both gratifying and delightful. Whether for a quick weekday dinner or a special event, this classic Italian recipe is bound to impress.
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Tasty and Simple Zucchini Dishes for Every Occasion
**A Compilation of the Finest Zucchini and Summer Squash Dishes That Are Simple to Prepare**
Zucchini, often referred to as courgette, is a adaptable summer squash that is botanically a fruit. It’s a popular choice for many during the summer months, particularly for those who cultivate it and end up with a surplus. While steaming or sautéing zucchini as an accompaniment is quick and straightforward, there are numerous imaginative methods to include this tasty vegetable in your recipes. Here’s a compilation of some of the finest zucchini and summer squash dishes that are not only easy to prepare but also wonderfully varied.
**1. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)**
Convert zucchini into a nutritious, low-carb substitute for pasta. Simply spiralize the zucchini and sauté it lightly with olive oil, garlic, and a dash of salt. Top with your preferred pasta sauce or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a light yet fulfilling meal.
**2. Zucchini Fritters**
Grate zucchini and blend it with flour, eggs, and spices to form a batter. Fry spoonfuls of the mixture until they turn golden brown for a crunchy, savory snack. Serve alongside a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra flavor.
**3. Stuffed Zucchini Boats**
Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to form a boat shape. Fill them with a combination of cooked ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Top with cheese and bake until the zucchini is soft and the cheese is melted.
**4. Zucchini Bread**
For a sweet variation, bake zucchini into a moist and tasty bread. Combine grated zucchini with flour, sugar, eggs, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake until golden brown for an ideal breakfast or snack choice.
**5. Zucchini and Corn Salad**
Mix sliced zucchini with fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss with a straightforward vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing summer salad.
**6. Creamy Zucchini Soup**
Blend sautéed zucchini with onions, garlic, and vegetable broth until silky smooth. Incorporate cream or coconut milk for a rich, velvety soup. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or dill for added brightness.
**7. Zucchini Lasagna**
Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini for a low-carb take on this classic recipe. Layer with ricotta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly.
**8. Zucchini Muffins**
Add zucchini to muffins for a nourishing breakfast or snack option. Mix grated zucchini with flour, sugar, eggs, and your selection of nuts or chocolate chips. Bake until fluffy and golden.
**9. Grilled Zucchini**
Cut zucchini into thick slices, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and slightly charred for a simple yet appetizing side dish.
**10. Zucchini Casserole**
Layer sliced zucchini with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs in a baking dish. Bake until the top is golden and crisp for a comforting casserole that pairs well with any main dish.
These recipes highlight the versatility of zucchini and summer squash, solidifying their place as a staple in any kitchen during the warmer seasons. Whether you favor savory or sweet, there’s a zucchini dish for everyone. Try out these recipes and find new favorites to enhance your summer cooking collection.
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