Spice up your summer with this zesty zucchini recipe

When you think you've tried every zucchini recipe, suddenly, a new one appears that changes your approach to this vegetable. Saying that zucchini is "versatile" and "universal" is perhaps an understatement. This time, I encourage you to try spicy zucchini.

Zucchini is the true queen of summer. You've probably eaten it many times and in many different dishes. Soups, pancakes, and salads are just the beginning of a long list. There are so many ways to prepare it that everyone will find something for themselves.

It's worth eating zucchini because it's cheap, delicious, and healthy. It has numerous benefits. Its low-calorie content is essential for many, making it an ideal choice for those watching their figure. Additionally, zucchini is full of vitamins and minerals that positively impact health. It's a true treasure trove of nutrients. It contains, among other things, potassium, which is crucial for the proper functioning of muscles and the nervous system. It's also a valuable source of B vitamins, especially niacin (B3) and B6, which positively improve metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. Moreover, antioxidants, such as vitamin C and lutein, strengthen the immune system and protect eyesight.

Is it bland and tasteless? If, for this reason, you can't be convinced to try zucchini, try this recipe. You will see that zucchini can be very spicy. Just season it in an Asian way, with chilli flakes and garlic. You'll also need sriracha sauce based on chilli peppers for this recipe. It's considered one of the spiciest sauces in the world. It's an excellent source of capsaicin – the active spicy ingredient, which, according to scientists, it triggers euphoric effects in our brains and aids the digestive process.

The recipe for Asian-style zucchini is incredibly simple. However, you need a few ingredients typical for this cuisine. If you are a fan, you probably already have them. Such prepared zucchini can be served with rice for a light dinner or as a warm side dish to grilled meat, for example, poultry or fish.

Ingredients:                 

• 3 tablespoons of sesame oil,
• 2 zucchinis,
• 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce,
• 3 tablespoons of sweet and sour sauce,
• 1 tablespoon of hot sriracha sauce,
• ½ teaspoon of chilli flakes,
• 1-2 garlic cloves,
• 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seeds,
• Finely chopped chives for serving.

Preparation:       

1. Wash the zucchini, cut them into sticks, and place them in a bowl.
2. Add soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, sriracha sauce, chilli flakes, and roasted sesame seeds. Mix to combine the ingredients.
3. In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of sesame oil. Add the zucchini drained from the sauce and fry it together with finely chopped garlic.
4. Then add the remaining sauce and heat for a while. The zucchini should remain crispy and firm. On the plate, sprinkle them with chopped chives.