Sautéed Zucchini with Mint, Basil & Pine Nuts

I love how a fresh herb can really brighten up a dish. The mint and basil really brings the dish to life. I didn’t have any capers on hand so I left that out of the recipe. Overall it’s a nice side dish and I wouldn’t mind making it again.

Sautéed Zucchini with Mint, Basil & Pine Nuts

(Adapted from Alexandra’s Kitchen)

 

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1 pound zucchini (or any summer squash), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

3 tablespoons (or less) olive oil, divided

3 small cloves garlic

10 (or more) mint leaves

5 (or more) basil leaves

1 heaping tablespoon capers, rinsed

2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts, lightly toasted

1 to 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar or white balsamic or whatever vinegar you have

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Additional mint and basil, torn, to garnish (optional — I omit bc I go big on the knife pesto)

homemade ricotta and your favorite bread (optional, for serving)

 

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add half the zucchini and sauté, flipping and turning every few minutes, until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Don't salt them yet!

 

 

While your zucchini cooks, chop together the garlic, mint, basil, and capers so that they intermingle and turn into a sort of knife pesto.

 

When the zucchini is golden, remove it from the pan and cook the remaining zucchini in another tablespoon of oil, just as you did the first batch. Note: I've cut back the oil here, but if you feel you need a splash more while you are sautéing, go for it. Then add the first batch back into the pan, along with the herb-garlic mixture and the vinegar, to taste. Taste for salt; add a good pinch, plus a few cracks of pepper. Toss well. Add nuts. Scoop everything out onto a serving plate. Right before serving, sprinkle on extra herbs if using.