I love zucchini

My brother insists that no one really likes zucchini, but I must admit that it is one of my favorite vegetables because of its versatility. Zucchini proved its usefulness again this past week in a quick frittata recipe that makes an excellent weeknight meal. All of the ingredients I use in cooking are organic, and most are local, which vastly improves the quality of flavor, especially with produce. At the Farmer’s Market last Saturday I picked up about 5 variegated green zucchini and 4 yellow crookneck squash from my favorite produce stand. The combination of the sweetness of the zucchini and carrot mixed with the saltiness of the Parmesan-Reggiano cheese is quite lovely.

Frittata for Two

1 TBS olive oil
½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, grated and set aside to drain
2 carrots, peeled and grated
3 eggs, beaten
1 ounce Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the onion with salt and sauté in olive oil over medium heat in a skillet for 3 minutes. Add grated zucchini and carrot and sauté until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. (Be sure to drain off as much of the moisture as possible from the zucchini before adding it to the onion!) Add the beaten eggs and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium low and let cook until top is almost set. Grate the Parmesan-Reggianno cheese over the top of the frittata and place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until top is set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool 3 to 5 minutes. Loosen the edges with a spatula and cut into quarters to serve.

I served the frittata with this simple salad.

1 ear fresh corn
2 c arugula
2 small tomatoes or 1 c grape/cherry tomatoes
½ c balsamic vinegar

Pour the vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced and the consistency of syrup. Remove from heat. Cut the kernels off of 1 ear of sweet corn (please buy organic, non GMO corn!) and toss with arugula and chopped tomatoes. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction and serve immediately.