Baked Zucchini with Garlic and Lemon
The perfect summer dish, Baked Zucchini with Garlic and Lemon is light, fresh, and incredibly easy to prepare. Bursting with flavor from roasted zucchini, aromatic garlic, and a zesty hint of lemon, it's the ideal side dish for any meal. Get ready to impress your guests tonight!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 3 medium Zucchini ends removed and cut in half lengthwise
- 2 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 squeeze Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the zucchini roasts evenly, giving it that perfect soft texture while keeping some bite.
- Prepare the zucchini by cutting each one in half lengthwise. This exposes the inner flesh, allowing the flavors to soak in while baking.
- Next, with the cut side facing up, slice the flesh of the zucchini in a crisscross pattern. This not only looks appealing but also helps the garlic and olive oil seep into the vegetable.
- Now, place the zucchini halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with foil. This makes for easy cleanup later!
- Sprinkle the zucchini lightly with salt and pepper, being careful not to overdo it. This is your base seasoning.
- Evenly distribute the thin slices of garlic over the zucchini. The garlic will roast beautifully and infuse the zucchini with flavor.
- Drizzle each half generously with olive oil. This is crucial for the roasting process, helping to caramelize the edges and enhance the overall flavor.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice over the top of the zucchini. This brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they are done when they are soft and slightly golden at the edges.
- Once they’re cooked to perfection, serve them whole at the table. This allows your guests to use their knives and makes for a fun, interactive dining experience!
Notes
- Tip 1: I used my countertop toaster oven and it took 30 minutes. It will probably be closer to 40 minutes in a standard oven.
- Tip 2: This idea was modified from Gordon Ramsey's Healthy Appetite; I served the zucchini whole and it was a hit!