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Sautéed Carrots and Zucchini Medley

Sautéed Carrots and Zucchini Medley

Sautéed Carrots and Zucchini Medley is a quick, vibrant, and healthy vegetable side dish that combines tender carrots and zucchini sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe preserves the natural sweetness and texture of the vegetables while delivering a colorful and nutritious accompaniment for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 cups fresh carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh zucchini, sliced

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), 2 tablespoons chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the carrots and zucchini thoroughly. Peel the carrots if desired, then slice both vegetables into thin, even rounds or batons to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Warm the oil for about a minute until it shimmers but does not smoke, preparing the pan for sautéing.
  3. Sauté the Carrots: Add the sliced carrots first, stirring frequently. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain a slight bite.
  4. Add Zucchini and Garlic: Toss in the zucchini slices along with minced garlic. Continue cooking for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  5. Season and Finish: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and fresh herbs over the vegetable medley. Stir to combine and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

  • Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for better flavor compared to powders or pre-minced garlic.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning garlic or soggy vegetables.
  • Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh and tangy flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: sautéed carrots, sautéed zucchini, vegetable medley, healthy side dish, quick vegetable recipe, vegan side, gluten free side