Today we have another classic Spanish dish using the humble zucchini, also known as a courgette. We´re talking Spanish Vinegar & Garlic Zucchini. This dish is packed with flavors and easy to make. Perfect as a tapas appetizer or even as a side dish, next to your favorite protein and some Spanish potatoes.
The beauty of this dish is the texture of the zucchini. With the way we´re going to prep it and cook it, it´s going to have the most incredible texture.
The secret is to cut the zucchini into thick rounds, salt them on both sides and let them rest for 30 minutes in a colander. This helps remove the water from the zucchini. This way when you cook it, it does not absorb the oil, which makes it mushy. Instead, it will keep its beautiful firm texture.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: You want to cook the zucchini slices on a medium-high heat and without mixing them, for about 2 minutes per side. This gives them a beautiful crusty sear. To make the sauce, I used sherry vinegar, but you can also use white wine vinegar or even red wine vinegar.
Key Ingredients & Cookware I used in this Recipe:
MY NON-STICK FRYING PAN
EXTRA VIRGIN SPANISH OLIVE OIL
SPANISH SEA SALT
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Watch the Video Below on How to Make Spanish Vinegar & Garlic Zucchini
Spanish Vinegar & Garlic Zucchini | Calabacin al Ajo Cabañil Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 30 ml
- 1 large zucchini
- 5 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp sherry vinegar 45 ml
- 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley 8 grams
- sea salt & black pepper
Instructions
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Cut the zucchini (washed & patted dry) into thick rounds that are 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick, then place the slices of zucchini in a single layer and season with sea salt on both sides, transfer the slices of zucchini into a colander and let them rest for 30 minutes
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Meanwhile, make the vinegar & garlic sauce, add 5 cloves garlic roughly chopped into a mortar, along with a pinch of sea salt, pound down on the garlic using a pestle until you form a paste like texture, then add in 3 tbsp sherry vinegar and 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley, mix together and set aside
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After 30 minutes, place the slices of zucchini over paper towels, in a single layer, and pat completely dry
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Heat a large fry pan with a medium-high heat, after 3 minutes add in 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and the slices of zucchini, once again in a single layer, cook for 2 minutes without mixing, after 2 minutes flip the slices of zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes without mixing, then lower the fire to a low-medium heat and add in the vinegar & garlic sauce, mix together and simmer for 5 minutes or until all the sauce has been absorbed by the zucchini
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Transfer the slices of zucchini into a serving dish, making sure to grab any of the remaning garlic in the pan and placing it over the zucchini, season the zucchini slices with black pepper and serve, enjoy!
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Andrew Rothery
Looks very good, can’t wait to try it.
10 . Oct . 2022Spain on a Fork
Hope you enjoy! Much love 🙂
11 . Oct . 2022Kate
31 . May . 2022Served as a sharing plate but ended up eating most myself as so tasty-,and a few sneaky slices in the kitchen !!!
Spain on a Fork
lol….So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
01 . Jun . 2022Donna
07 . Dec . 2021This was excellent! I served this as an appetizer along with the Manchego stuffed mushrooms. Really easy, appreciate the clear instructions and tips. Nice veggie appetizers.
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love Donna 🙂
07 . Dec . 2021Debbie
I am not a fan of zucchini until I made this recipe! Thank you so much, will make it again!
08 . Aug . 2021Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
08 . Aug . 2021Mary Ann
26 . Jul . 2021These turned out beautifully. Thank you for such a simple yet tasty recipe.
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
26 . Jul . 2021Daisy likes to cook
26 . Jul . 2021Excellent flavors! Omg, so easy and so delish. The perfect find since I’m harvesting zucchini now. Thank you.
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
26 . Jul . 2021Fred
25 . Jul . 2021This came out perfect. I used fresh zucchini and parsley from my garden and served this as a side for supper. Thanks for another awesome, easy to follow recipe!
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
26 . Jul . 2021Hilloo Gopal
21 . Jul . 2021Very tasty
Spain on a Fork
Thank you 🙂 Much love!
21 . Jul . 2021Ramya
Will be making this soon can i use apple cider vinegar as i dont have sherry vinegar in Singapore i never had spanish vinegar and garlic zucchini before i love zucchini soooooooooooo much perfect for my home snacks while i work on the computer and phone will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
21 . Jul . 2021Spain on a Fork
Yes you can use any vinegar you like 🙂 much love!
21 . Jul . 2021