Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Steam Zucchini for Sweetest flavor

My CSA farm share was overrun this week with twelve beautiful yellow zucchini amidst a variety of summer lettuces, giant scallions, firm cabbage, creamy colored turnips, dark green dandelion greens, flat kale, fragrant basil and cilantro, kohlrabi, garlic scapes, purple beets, juicy raspberries, and crisp Persian cucumbers.


      With all these glorious vegetables it's easy to eat gluten free and vegetarian/ vegan


The brutal 95 degree humid heat wave of last week was probably responsible for ripening the vegetables quickly producing bumper crops of everything in the fields.



Yellow zucchini growing
Once I collected my veggies and loaded the car with my bulging baskets of freshly picked produce, I ventured back to the overgrown landscaping on the bucolic Bucks County country roads hoping to get a glimpse of a deer or fox on my drive home.



I actually did see a tiny baby fawn under a tree in an empty field. The mother was not in the photo but she was nearby in the field too.



To entertain myself on the twenty minute ride , I began to imagine what I could make with all of those lovely yellow zucchinis.




However, after picking vegetables in the heat, I was tired.
The last thing I want to do that evening was cook.

First, I thought about my mother in law Toni's flavorful zucchini quiche casserole.  However, I didn't have all the ingredients in the house, nor did I want to turn on the oven.



Next, I thought about making one of my delicious zoodle recipes, but I just didn't feel like spiralizing.






Finally,  I decided to simply steam the zucchini whole. Yes that was all I did- I washed them, and didn't peel or cut- and just put them in the steamer basket just the way they were.

I steamed for 8 minutes, removed, and served. The sweet tender squash came out absolutely delicious. Each person got a whole zucchini to eat as he/she pleased.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture. We devoured them so quickly.

It was easy, simple, healthy, and nutritious. Even my husband commented on delicious they were.

So, there you have it- you don't always need to make a fancy recipe to enjoy farm fresh summer vegetables. Sometimes simplicity is the best solution.

Steamed Whole Yellow Zucchini ( not yellow squash)

Ingredients: 
4 small to medium yellow or green young tender zucchini
3 cups of Water 
salt and pepper to taste 

Directions: 
Place water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Insert steamer basket, place 4 zucchini in the basket, cover and steam for 5-8 minutes until tender ( depends on size of zucchini)  Insert sharp knife into the zucchini to see if it is cooked. 
Serve with salt and pepper to taste and a pat of butter if desired.

My notes: 
Yellow zucchini is not the same as yellow summer squash.
The deeper yellow in the picture below are the zucchini - the lighter yellow in the photo are summer yellow squash
They have a different taste and texture; I prefer the zucchini

''shared on Beth Fish Reads weekend linky

22 comments:

  1. I've never had yellow zucchini nor have I seen it. I love all squash including yellow summer squash - I'd love to try yellow zucchini too!

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    Replies
    1. Yellow zucchini has been around for a while especially at farmer's markets and CSA farms

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  2. Whoo I have never seen yellow zuccini' before. Love the green ones. I wish I could try some :)
    Thanks for sharing at The Wednesday blog hop.

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    1. I'm sure that you will find yellow zucchini sooner or later and it tastes similar to the green zucchini

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  3. I love summer squash- all varieties and there is just no wrong way to prepare them. We have tried them fried (think eggplant parm), in a lasagna, oven roasted with garlic and salt, in a casserole, etc.

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    1. I do love to make lasagna using zucchini- who want's the carbs ??

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  4. Your vegetables look wonderful! I grew up near Bucks County in Pottstown!

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  5. Roseann,
    I have a friend who is also from Pottstown. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  6. Looks tasty! Thank you Judee for attending the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty. I pinned your post on Pinterest and shared it on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

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    Replies
    1. Im new to your Wed party but I am really enjoying your blog and the grannies

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  7. Hi Judee,
    What a beautiful way to spend your day. I love those old covered wooden bridges on the tree lined country roads. You really did fill your baskets with goodies! We love Zucchini and your recipes look awesome! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and you have a great weekend!
    Come Back Soon
    Miz Helen

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  8. Hi Judee, this would fit perfectly in Food on Friday: July under the zucchini theme. Hope you bring it on over. Cheers from Carole's Chatter

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  9. Wow, Judee! Like others, I have never seen yellow zucchini before! I've also never steamed them whole like that. What a great idea!

    I love Bucks County (and covered bridges), but haven't visited there in many years. The fawn is precious. We've been seeing them often in our woods here and on our mountain/river property. It's always a delight!

    Happy weekend, Judee!
    Shirley

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    Replies
    1. Bucks County is beautiful and I count my blessings everyday for all the nature, farms, and closeness to Philadelphia and NYC.. Best of everything

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  10. I've never seen yellow zucchini, but I'll be looking for some to try. Your colorful photos of veggies are beautiful. And what a delight to see a fawn on your drive. Thanks for sharing.
    My Saturday Snapshot post features hiking through a tunnel.

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  11. Everyone says that .. maybe we only have yellow zucchini in Bucks County???
    Thanks for stopping by - glad to have your comments

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  12. This looks delicious! And that fawn - too adorable!

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    1. Erin,
      That was not the only fawn I saw. We have lots of them this year. There was one in the street near my friends driveway in the country and the mother dear was frantic.

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  13. I haven't seen a fawn that close up ever! I've been on a few safaris here in India but I've always seen a group of deer together.

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    Replies
    1. So funny,
      This year we are seeing them all over Bucks County. Even in our driveways..

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Your comments are appreciated. I love knowing who is stopping by to read my posts! Have a great day.

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