- Zucchini: Wash and peel the zucchini. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, then chop it into half-moon shapes or bite-sized chunks. Set it aside.
- Onion: Peel the red onion and slice it thinly into half rings. You want the slices to be thin so they cook quickly and become tender without losing their structure.
- Carrot: Peel the carrot and then use a grater to shred it into thin strips. This will allow the carrot to soften quickly during cooking while still keeping some texture.
- Bell Peppers: Wash the bell peppers, slice off the tops, remove the seeds, and cut them into strips. Aim for even-sized strips so they cook evenly.
- Garlic: Peel and chop the garlic into small pieces. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor, so make sure it’s finely chopped to release its full aroma.
Once everything is prepared, you’re ready to start cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat a large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan – just enough to lightly coat the bottom. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the vegetables. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the veggies and bring out their natural flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Start with the onions: Add the sliced red onion to the pan first. Sauté the onions for about 2 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. The onions will release a natural sweetness and form the base flavor for the dish.
- Add the garlic: Next, add the chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter when overcooked.
- Add the bell peppers and carrots: Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the grated carrots. Stir everything together to combine. The carrots will add a slight sweetness, and the bell peppers will soften and develop their natural sugars as they cook. Continue to sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any burning.
- Add the zucchini: Finally, add the chopped zucchini to the pan. Toss everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Zucchini cooks quickly, and you want it to be tender but still firm enough to hold its shape. Stir frequently to ensure that all the vegetables cook evenly and that the zucchini doesn’t get too mushy.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, it’s time to add the seasoning. Start by adding salt to taste, then sprinkle in the paprika. Paprika adds a mild smokiness and a bit of depth to the dish, so don’t skimp on it. Stir the vegetables to evenly distribute the seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve
Once everything is cooked and well-seasoned, the dish is ready to serve. You can either serve it straight from the pan or transfer it to a plate. This dish is delicious on its own or paired with a protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or even a dollop of hummus.
For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. The freshness of the herbs will complement the warmth of the cooked vegetables, adding an aromatic finish to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: It’s ready in 10 minutes, making it a perfect choice for those busy evenings or quick lunches.
- Healthy: Packed with veggies and minimal oil, it’s a low-calorie, nutrient-rich meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.
- Flavorful: With the combination of garlic, paprika, and the natural sweetness of the vegetables, this dish is bursting with flavor, without needing heavy sauces or seasonings.
- Customizable: You can add extra spices, swap vegetables, or top it with cheese for a more indulgent option.
- Better than Pizza: While pizza is always a comfort food favorite, this zucchini dish brings all the savory, satisfying elements you love about pizza without the heaviness of dough.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy, and quick alternative to pizza, this zucchini recipe is your answer. Packed with vibrant vegetables and seasoned perfectly, it’s a delightful dish that’s simple enough for weeknights and fancy enough for entertaining guests. In just 10 minutes, you can create a 5-star-worthy meal that is bursting with flavor, and most importantly, healthier than pizza!
