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In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding the time to prepare healthy meals can be a daunting task.
As a working parent, I often find myself juggling deadlines, meetings, and family commitments, leaving little room for elaborate cooking. However, I’ve discovered that with a few simple ingredients and a bit of high heat, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious side dish in no time.
One of my go-to recipes is this Garlicky Zucchini and Mushrooms. It’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I need something quick, healthy, and flavorful to complement our main course. The best part? It only takes a few minutes to prepare and cook, making it an ideal choice for families on the go.
I remember one evening after a particularly hectic day at work, I was scrambling to put together a balanced dinner. I had some zucchini and mushrooms in the fridge, and with a bit of garlic and olive oil, I managed to create a side dish that was not only healthy but also packed with flavour.
The high heat gives the vegetables a beautiful char, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a smoky depth that my family loves.
This garlicky zucchini and mushrooms recipe has since become a staple in our household. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something quick, easy, and nutritious, without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent trying to feed a hungry family, this dish is sure to become a favourite in your kitchen.
How Long Does Zucchini Last in the Fridge?
One of the questions I often get from friends and family is, “How long does zucchini last in the fridge?” Fresh zucchini, when stored properly, can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
To maximize its shelf life, I recommend keeping it in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer. If you’ve already cut your zucchini, store the pieces in an airtight container, which will keep them fresh for about 4-5 days. This makes it easy to have this versatile vegetable on hand, ready to be tossed into a quick stir-fry or added to a hearty salad.
Tips for Incorporating Veggies into Every Meal
As a parent, one of my top priorities is ensuring my family eats a balanced diet rich in vegetables. However, getting everyone on board with eating more veggies can sometimes be a challenge.
Over the years, I’ve found some creative and easy ways to incorporate more vegetables into our meals, making it a seamless part of our daily routine.
Breakfast Boost
Starting the day with veggies might seem unconventional, but it’s easier than you think. Adding spinach or kale to smoothies is a simple way to increase your veggie intake without altering the flavour too much. Another favourite in our household is veggie-loaded omelets. By tossing in bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, you can create a colourful and nutritious breakfast that everyone will enjoy.
Sneaky Snacks
Snacks are another great opportunity to add more vegetables to your diet. I often prepare veggie sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, paired with a healthy dip like hummus or Greek yogurt. This not only makes for a refreshing snack but also ensures that my kids are getting their daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Veggie-Packed Lunches
For lunch, I love making sandwiches and wraps filled with a variety of vegetables. Adding lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado can transform a simple sandwich into a nutrient-packed meal. Another trick is to use lettuce leaves or collard greens as wraps instead of bread, which adds an extra serving of greens while cutting down on carbs.
Dinner Delights
Dinner is where I really try to get creative with vegetables. One-pot meals and casseroles are perfect for sneaking in extra veggies. For example, when making spaghetti, I add finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to the sauce. Roasting vegetables with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper is another easy and delicious way to prepare them. The high heat caramelizes the veggies, bringing out their natural sweetness and making them irresistible.
Family Involvement
Getting the family involved in meal prep can also make a big difference. I often let my kids choose which vegetables they want to include in our meals and have them help with washing and chopping. This not only makes them more excited about eating their veggies but also teaches them valuable cooking skills.
Garlicky Zucchini and Mushrooms
Feeds: 4 people
Prep: 5 Minutes
Cook: 10 Minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the zucchini into half-moons and the mushrooms into slices. Mince the garlic and set aside.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the olive oil and let it heat up until it starts to shimmer.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini and mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to get a good char on one side.
- Stir and Season: Stir the vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to brown and soften. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the vegetables are tender with a nice char.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and, if desired, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the vegetables for a fresh, tangy finish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your garlicky, flavorful zucchini and mushrooms as a perfect side dish to complement any main course!