Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Hasselbacks
Zucchini is one of those vegetables that can be found in supermarkets year round but they really shine at the height of summer months when they are at peak freshness. If you are growing tired of the same old zucchini recipes, this one will knock your socks off! Packed full of Vitamin C and parmesan cheesy goodness, you can't go wrong serving this at your next family dinner.
The cooking technique referred to as "hasselback" and sometimes called "accordion cutting" is all about the knife work (spoiler alert: it's NOT hard). You simply slice the vegetable in thin slices, stopping just before the bottom to create a fan effect! Then pack in the flavor by stuffing the gaps with goodies like parmesan! Want to really pump the flavor? Add in 1 slice of cooked bacon and you've got a home-run!
Ingredients:
- 4 small zucchinis, about 4-5 oz. each
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 4-6 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated*
- To taste: garlic powder, sea salt, pepper
MRC Clients refer to your menu for exact protein portion sizes. This recipe uses 2 servings hard cheese.
Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cut each zucchini in half crosswise. Make crosswise cuts into each zucchini half every 1/3-1/2 inch (remember to slice almost to the bottm without cutting all the way through).
- Gently fan the zucchini to open the slices and fill the gaps with the grated parmesan. Brush the zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the zucchini on a double layer of foil and grill, without turning, until browned and tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
Makes 4 Servings | Serving Size: 2 zucchini halves | One Serving Replaces: 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 protein
Notes:
- You can double your serving size to have a complete vegetable serving and complete protein serving
- You can create this recipe in the oven instead of on the grill by placing the zucchini on a baking sheet lined with foil and cooking in a preheated 400 degree F oven for approximately 15 minutes (until cheese is brown and bubbly and the zucchini is al dente to tender)
- Variation: crumble 300 calories of crispy bacon (approximately 4-6 pieces) into the zucchini gaps. This will replace 1/2 healthy fat serving (or 1 healthy fat serving if you are eating a double portion of this recipe)
