Description
Home cooks adore this skillet zucchini and mushroom medley as a quick, flavorful side dish packed with Mediterranean charm. Sautéed vegetables deliver earthy depth, while herbs and olive oil elevate simple ingredients to a delightful culinary experience you’ll want to savor repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453.6 g) small button mushrooms, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 small zucchini, cut into thin, half-moon slices
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsps fresh chopped herbs or 1 tsp dried thyme and oregano
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
- 3 tbsps (45 g) butter, divided
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated parmesan
Instructions
- Skillet Preparation: Heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high flame, blending olive oil and unsalted butter until surface becomes glossy and shimmering.
- Zucchini Sautéing: Distribute zucchini slices across skillet in single layer, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes until edges transform golden and vegetables soften, then transfer to separate plate.
- Onion and Mushroom Base: Return skillet to heat, introducing remaining butter, diced onions, and sliced mushrooms. Caramelize ingredients together, stirring occasionally to develop rich brown edges and prevent scorching, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Integrate minced garlic and selected herbs into mushroom-onion mixture, stirring rapidly for 20-30 seconds to activate fragrant essential oils.
- Flavor Integration: Carefully fold reserved zucchini slices back into skillet, pouring vegetable broth to create light, cohesive sauce. Simmer 1-2 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and liquid to slightly condense.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and finely grated parmesan cheese, serving immediately while temperature remains warm and presentation vibrant.
Notes
- Maximize Caramelization: Allow vegetables to develop golden edges by avoiding overcrowding the skillet, ensuring proper heat distribution and crisp texture.
- Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté ingredients sequentially to build depth, starting with onions, then mushrooms, and finally garlic for maximum aromatic intensity.
- Control Moisture Carefully: Use high heat and minimal liquid to prevent soggy vegetables, creating a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Timing is Critical: Watch cooking duration closely, as zucchini and mushrooms can quickly transition from perfectly caramelized to overcooked and mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg