Zucchini Cream with Trombetta Zucchini and Squid
Category: First Courses
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trombetta zucchini | 500g |
| Fresh spring onion | 60g |
| Water | 450g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Fine salt | As needed |
| Squid | 500g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Fresh oregano | A few leaves |
| Black pepper | As needed |
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the spring onion: trim off the ends and slice it into thin rings. Set aside.
- Next, wash the trombetta zucchini thoroughly and slice them into rings.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and add the sliced spring onion. Sautรฉ on medium heat for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the pan and give everything a good stir. Pour in the water, then season with salt to taste. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the zucchini becomes tender.
While the zucchini cooks, itโs time to prepare the squid.
- Take the squid and separate the head from the mantle. Rinse the mantle under cold water to remove any remaining innards. Gently peel off the outer skin using a small knife, making a tiny incision to lift it off.
- Now, cut the tentacles from the head, slicing below the eyes. Discard the hard central beak, and divide the tentacles into two halves.
- Slice the mantle into 2 cm thick rings and set the squid aside.
Now back to the zucchini.
- In a separate pan, heat another drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, add the whole garlic clove (peeled), and season with a pinch of salt. Sautรฉ for 4-5 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil, then remove and discard the garlic.
- By now, the zucchini will be fully cooked. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. Adjust the salt if needed.
Once the zucchini is pureed, plate the dish:
- Spoon some of the creamy zucchini into each plate, creating a base layer.
- Arrange the prepared squid rings on top of the zucchini cream.
- Zest lemon over the dish for a fresh, aromatic touch and garnish with a few sprigs of oregano.
- Season with a bit of black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately as a rich and flavorful first course that brings together the delicate sweetness of zucchini with the savory depth of squid, all beautifully balanced by the freshness of lemon and oregano.
Enjoy your Crema di Zucchine Trombetta e Calamari โ a fresh and refined dish that combines the best of seasonal vegetables with tender seafood. Perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner gathering!
