This colorful dish of sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and onions is both easy to make and super tasty! It’s a great side that adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Cooking this mix in a bit of olive oil makes everything soft and delicious. Honestly, I could eat it every day! It’s perfect with grilled chicken or tossed in pasta. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis are perfect for this dish. If you can’t find them, feel free to use yellow squash or even bell peppers for a different taste.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are great choices. If you want a bolder flavor, try using shiitake or portobello instead! Make sure to clean them well before slicing.
Onion: A large onion adds sweetness as it cooks. Red onions also work for a more colorful dish. If you prefer milder flavors, go with shallots.
Olive Oil: This is essential for sautéing. Avocado oil is a good substitute if you want a higher smoke point. Use butter if you crave a richer taste!
Garlic: While optional, garlic adds a nice aroma. For those avoiding garlic, simply leave it out or replace with a dash of garlic powder.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Cook Evenly?
To achieve a great texture and flavor, cutting your vegetables uniformly is crucial. Slice everything into similar thicknesses—1/4-inch rounds work well. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Start with onions for a head start on flavor. Sauté them until translucent first.
- Add mushrooms next, allowing time for their moisture to evaporate, which prevents sogginess.
- Finally, toss in zucchini. It cooks quickly, so watch it closely, cooking until just tender but still a bit crisp.
Enjoy your tasty and healthy sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and onions! This simple technique highlights the fresh flavors of the veggies.
How to Make Sauteed Zucchini, Mushrooms, and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 8 oz (about 225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing the zucchinis under cool water. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Then, clean the mushrooms, and slice them too. Finally, peel and thinly slice the onion so all your veggies are ready to go!
2. Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. It should be warm enough that when you add the onions, they sizzle a bit.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions start to soften and become translucent. You want them to be sweet and fragrant!
4. Add the Mushrooms:
Now, toss in the sliced mushrooms! Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture, so keep an eye on them until they begin to brown.
5. Mix in the Zucchini:
Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and stir well to combine all the veggies. This is looking good now!
6. Flavors and Seasoning:
If you’re using garlic, add the minced cloves and any dried herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still has a bit of a bite to it.
7. Final Seasoning:
Give the mixture a taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Adjust the seasoning to your liking!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is cooked and seasoned, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkling on some chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely touch. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or over grains like rice or quinoa!
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and onions! It’s a simple dish that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While zucchini, mushrooms, and onions are great, feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or carrots. Just remember that cooking times may vary with different veggies, so adjust accordingly!
What Can I Do if I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use other cooking oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or even butter for a richer flavor. Each option will impart a slightly different taste, so choose based on your preference!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can sauté the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water if they seem dry!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for up to 3 days. You can eat them cold in salads, or reheat them to enjoy warm as a side dish!