Looking for a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that’s as healthy as it is flavorful? Dive into the world of "Lacto Zucchini in Mock Cream Sauce," where fresh zucchini meets a velvety cashew-based sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive vegetarian dish for guests, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. In just 30 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece that proves healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Soak cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours prior to cooking to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. If short on time, you can use hot water and soak for 30 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly under cold water.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, creating a silky mock cream sauce.
- Wash and slice the zucchinis into uniform thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring the pan is evenly coated.
- Add zucchini slices to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to promote even cooking and slight caramelization.
- Sauté zucchini for 5-7 minutes, gently turning occasionally to prevent burning, until they become tender and slightly golden.
- Pour the prepared cashew cream sauce over the zucchini, stirring gently to coat each slice completely.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm and flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Soaking Cashews: For the best texture, soak your cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours. If you're short on time, hot water works too—just soak them for 30 minutes to achieve that creamy consistency.
- Uniform Slices: When slicing the zucchinis, aim for uniform 1/4 inch rounds. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that delightful caramelization.
- Heat Control: When sautéing the zucchini, keep an eye on the heat. Medium heat is ideal to prevent burning while allowing the zucchini to become tender and golden.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional seasonings! A pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can enhance the flavor of your mock cream sauce.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an added touch, garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also adds a burst of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
