Zucchini with balsamic and pine nuts.
Easy,  Recipes,  Side Dishes,  Vegetarian

Balsamic Zucchini

It seems like I’m on a roll with finding awesome recipes from Gourmet, which is so frustrating since it’s no longer being published. I’m glad that I keep finding gems like this though – an easy and incredibly flavorful side dish. We made this with some zucchini that some friends gave us from their garden.

This is simple, elegant, and delicious! The balsamic soaks into the zucchini just enough to really add a nice zing, and the cheese melts beautifully on top. The toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch, and really complete the dish. I’ll definitely be making this one again and again!

Zucchini with balsamic and pine nuts.

Balsamic Zucchini
Gourmet July 2004

4 lb medium zucchini, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/2 cup)
1/3 cup pine nuts (1 oz), toasted and finely chopped

Preheat broiler.
Toss zucchini with oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Arrange zucchini in 1 layer in 2 shallow baking pans (1 inch deep). Broil 1 pan of zucchini 3 to 5 inches from heat, without turning, until browned in spots and beginning to soften, 4 to 6 minutes. Drizzle 2 tablespoons vinegar over broiled zucchini and shake pan a few times, then continue to broil until most of vinegar is evaporated, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese over broiled zucchini and broil until cheese is melted, about 1 minute more. Cook remaining pan of zucchini in same manner. Cool to room temperature and serve sprinkled with pine nuts.

Cooks’ note:
Balsamic zucchini (without pine nuts) can be made 3 hours ahead and kept at room temperature or chilled, covered. Sprinkle with pine nuts just before serving.

MacGourmet Rating: 5 Stars

Ashley Covelli is a food photographer, recipe developer, and culinary instructor based in Ossining, New York. She loves helping people become enthusiastic and adventurous in the kitchen so that they can build skills and confidence to cook for themselves and their loved ones. She can almost always be found with at least 3 different beverages within arm's reach.

4 Comments

  • Sabine, La Marquise des anges

    so appetizzing !!!
    i actually have 2 little zucchinies I just harvest from my graden and I know have the PERFECT recipe to cook them !!

    merci so much for sharing.

    sabine

  • Vegolicious

    Mmmm this looks so easy and fantastic.

    I’d love for you to submit one of your beautiful photos, and a link to your post, to my new vegetarian food photo gallery showcasing beautiful and flavorful vegetarian food.

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