Roasting zucchini can be a great addition to any healthy meal. If you are interested in trying to roast zucchini, it is helpful to start with freshly picked vegetables. After rinsing and cutting the zucchini into small pieces, many cooks like to add other types of squash. Coating the squash with olive oil and spices, such as rosemary and basil, will help lock in the flavor and keep them from drying out while they are cooking. When you are done preparing zucchini, you can place it in a shallow roasting pan or wrap in aluminum foil and place on a grill.
Preparing zucchini is the first step in making this side dish. Fresh zucchini from the garden is ideal, but you could also use purchase it at a supermarket. Washing the zucchini under cool running water before cutting into pieces can help remove any pesticides or dirt. It is not necessary to peel the zucchini before doing so, and retaining the skin may add color to the finished dish. If you like, you may add red peppers, onion, or other types of squash to this mixture.
When you are preparing zucchini, you may want to add a few ingredients to help give it flavor. A few you may want to try include rosemary, basil, salt, pepper, and thyme. If you like, you may add these spices to a small amount of olive oil and then drizzle the mixture before you roast zucchini to keep it from becoming too dry.
To roast zucchini, it can be placed in a moderately warm oven or on a grill. If you would like to use an oven, place the vegetables in a shallow roasting dish, cover with aluminum foil, and then bake for around 30 minutes. Preparing zucchini on a grill should be done by first heating the coals until they are very hot, and then setting the prepared vegetables on the grate and closing the lid. If you are cooking zucchini in this manner, you will need to wrap it and any other vegetables you choose in aluminum foil before doing so.
Roast zucchini can be enjoyed with a number of different entrées, including chicken, lamb, or pork. You can add a bit of shredded cheese to the dish after it is done cooking, making it a meal in itself. No matter how you choose to eat this dish, you will likely find it both healthy and delicious.
