Ingredients: Revolutionizing veggie snacks: Baked zucchini with a twist

For a get-together and movie night, a zucchini snack combines the crispiness of the vegetable itself, the richness of flavour from the spices, and the creaminess of mozzarella, which melts over the delicious vegetable slices. You'll also find the boldness of garlic and the freshness of basil, a composition that's hard to resist.

Veggie snacks don't have to be dull; spice them up with herbs and spices. Zucchini has a delicate taste; it pairs well with garlic and cheeses. Strong cheeses can dominate the subtle notes of zucchini, so it's a good idea to use mozzarella, which melts nicely and allows other flavours to take centre stage.

This snack has few ingredients, but that's enough to make an impression. Remember not to peel the zucchini—the skin keeps the vegetable "in check," ensuring it doesn't disintegrate after heat treatment. If you like spicy notes, add a few chilli flakes to the mixture with garlic and basil.

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis,
• 2 balls of mozzarella,
• 5 cloves of garlic,
• olive oil or other oil, e.g., canola,
• salt, coarsely ground pepper,
• fresh basil,
• lemon juice,
• toasted sunflower seeds.

Preparation:

1. Wash the zucchini and cut it into about 2 cm slices. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Blend the garlic, basil leaves, and oil into a thick paste. Add a few drops of lemon juice to taste.
3. Spread the mixture over the zucchini slices and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the zucchini in the oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes.
5. Tear the mozzarella balls into small pieces and place them on the zucchini slices. Put everything back in the oven and bake until the cheese has melted (about 10 minutes).
6. Serve the zucchini sprinkled with fresh basil leaves and toasted sunflower seeds.