Sautéed Zucchini

Maybe this is a sign of maturity... Or maybe just of getting older (and poorer)... But instead of meeting friends out for dinner at a restaurant, I've been really into meeting at someone's house, everyone bringing a part of the meal, and cooking together.  Not only is it a great way to hang out and make a healthy meal, it's also an awesome excuse to pick their minds on different recipes and try new things (without the risk of not liking something but still having to fork over the cash when the check comes).  Going into my final preseason, I've really been trying to find nutritious food options.   Unfortunately, when it comes to veggies, I've always been extremely picky (you may have noticed my main choices in vegetable related recipes are usually onions and bell peppers).  

Meet Alexa

My best friend Alexa just moved into a new apartment and one of her neighbors has a massive garden.  She lucked out because he puts out a bucket every day with the extra fresh veggies that are overflowing his plot for the neighbors to take their pick of.  I wish I had taken a picture of the GIANT zucchini she cut up today, but I was distracted by the sheer size of it-it was like twice the size of my head.  Anyways, we felt like a blast from the past so we heated up a bag of frozen chicken nuggets, but we added some grown up touches.  A microwave bag of edamame, a can of corn, and this awesome zucchini.

Sautéed Zucchini
Ingredients:

• Zucchini (Sliced and Quartered)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Seasoning Salt
• Garlic Powder 

Directions:

According to Alexa, this is a recipe where you really have to "channel your inner Italian and just do what you feel"

Pour some olive oil into a sauté pan (about a tablespoon, enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan) and place over medium heat (or high, depending on how quickly you want it to cook).

Toss in the zucchini and sprinkle on the seasonings (feel free to experiment and change things up based on your personal taste).  Let cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini starts becoming translucent.  Timing varies based on heat and  "Done" is based on personal preference, but I prefer overcooked to undercooked when it comes to stuff like this.

Side Note:

Sorry this isn't one of my more measurement-accurate recipes, but it is a great thing to try to experiment with as a new side dish. Super easy and tasty. It is also idea to add some yellow squash or other vegetables for a delicious and nutritious side dish.