Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe
As I tossed together this super savory medley of zucchini, potatoes, and heavenly hints of garlic and thyme, I could hardly wait for that first bite that would transport my taste buds straight to cozy comfort food bliss.
I love making dishes that are both simple and nutritious, and my zucchini and potato skillet with thyme fits that bill perfectly. To combine the vibrant flavors of zucchini, potatoes, and onions with the earthy aroma of fresh thyme takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
And it’s loaded with healthy fiber and vitamins, too. I do have to admit, though, that the sprinkle of Parmesan I sometimes put on the dish for an optional touch of richness makes it so much better.
Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe Ingredients
- Zucchinis: Low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins.
- Potatoes: Excellent source of carbohydrates and potassium.
- Onion: Adds flavor and is packed with antioxidants.
- Garlic: Provides a robust flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat rich in monounsaturated fats.
- Thyme: Aromatic herb with antimicrobial properties, enhances flavor.
Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make this Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe
1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Combine the potatoes with the seasonings and cook them. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should end up soft and somewhat golden in color (if you prefer a more brown/blackened look, you can cook them this way, but be warned: the longer you cook them, the softer they will get). It should take about 10 minutes. You can always cook them longer if they don’t seem done after 10, which will really ensure that the potatoes are very soft. But if you do this, you won’t really be able to achieve any brownish/blackish color.
3. As the potatoes cook, cut the zucchini into rounds of approximately 1/4 inch in thickness.
4. Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet; pour in the last tablespoon of olive oil on the other side. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it is translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.
5. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
6. Put the sliced zucchini into the skillet and mix everything together. Add fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Stir occasionally as you cook the zucchini and potato mixture until the zucchini is tender and everything is browned, about 10-12 minutes.
8. If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
9. If you wish, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the frying pan and let it melt, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
10. Serve this up as a side dish or as a main course, and enjoy!
Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Grater (if using Parmesan cheese)
7. Serving dish
FAQ
- Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?Indeed, it is possible to replace fresh thyme with dried thyme. You should use about one third of the amount, as dried herbs pack a more potent flavor. Therefore, you should use about one third of a teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Should I peel the potatoes before slicing?You can peel the potatoes, but you do not have to. Keeping the skin on adds not just nutrients but also some texture. Peeling will give you a smooth-textured puree.
- What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?Potatoes that are waxy, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, are the best choice since they maintain their shape well during cooking. However, you can use any potato you have around.
- Can this dish be made ahead of time?Certainly! You can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge for as long as 2 days, and then reheat it in a skillet or the microwave before serving.
- Is there a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan cheese?Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” flavor.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish?Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would blend excellently. Incorporate them with the zucchini for best results.
- How can I make this dish more filling?Cooked chicken or chickpeas can be added to make it a more substantial meal. This text is telling us how to make what I think is a pasta dish into a complete meal. The advice isn’t bad, but I would probably add something else with those ingredients to make them sing.
Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe Substitutions and Variations
For the zucchinis: Use yellow squash or eggplant slices.
Substituting with: Sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes in place of the potatoes
Use shallots or leeks in place of the onion.
For the olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil or sunflower oil.
To make Parmesan cheese: Use either Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast to make a dairy-free and vegan option.
Pro Tips
1. Soak the Potatoes Before cooking, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 15-30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which can prevent them from sticking together and helps achieve a crisper texture when cooked.
2. Preheat the Skillet Make sure your skillet is fully preheated with the olive oil before adding the potatoes. This helps in achieving a better sear and prevents sticking.
3. Layer the Onions After adding the onions to the skillet, let them sit without stirring them too much. This allows for slight caramelization, imparting a deeper flavor to the dish.
4. Distribute the Zucchini Evenly When adding zucchini to the skillet, ensure they are spread out rather than piled up. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming, which can make them soggy.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs For a burst of fresh flavor, consider adding a little extra fresh thyme just before serving. This can enhance the aroma and add brightness to the dish.
Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe
My favorite Zucchini And Potato Skillet With Thyme Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Grater (if using Parmesan cheese)
7. Serving dish
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Combine the potatoes with the seasonings and cook them. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should end up soft and somewhat golden in color (if you prefer a more brown/blackened look, you can cook them this way, but be warned: the longer you cook them, the softer they will get). It should take about 10 minutes. You can always cook them longer if they don’t seem done after 10, which will really ensure that the potatoes are very soft. But if you do this, you won’t really be able to achieve any brownish/blackish color.
3. As the potatoes cook, cut the zucchini into rounds of approximately 1/4 inch in thickness.
4. Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet; pour in the last tablespoon of olive oil on the other side. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it is translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.
5. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
6. Put the sliced zucchini into the skillet and mix everything together. Add fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Stir occasionally as you cook the zucchini and potato mixture until the zucchini is tender and everything is browned, about 10-12 minutes.
8. If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
9. If you wish, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the frying pan and let it melt, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
10. Serve this up as a side dish or as a main course, and enjoy!