Caramelized Zucchini Planks

Caramelized Zucchini with Rigatoni, Peas, Tomatoes, and Mixed Herbs

Zucchini is like the old friend you can only bear to see occasionally. You love them, but they always overstay their welcome. Invite them into your garden by planting just a few seeds, thinking they’ll be a nice addition to dinner, and before you know it, they’re taking over, barging into your kitchen and reclining on the counter until you devise ways to get rid of them.

As the season of the mighty green machine that keeps on giving approaches, let’s all take a moment to reflect on our past squashy sins. Are you that pesky person who creeps around in the middle of the night secretly leaving heaping bags of zucchini on your neighbors’ doorstep? I urge you to reconsider! Once you try this recipe, you’ll question why you ever let a single squash out of your sight.

When it comes to flavor, caramelized zucchini is a game-changer. Caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the zucchini, while the savory notes (enhanced with salt, pepper, and olive oil) add a depth of flavor you never thought the humble zucchini was capable of. It’s the ultimate proof that even the most unassuming ingredient can be elevated with the right cooking technique and a little bit of love. So, before you kick that old friend off your counter and out of the kitchen, try this recipe and let me know what you think!