Most of you know that I LOVE my garden. I dream of what and how I’ll plant during the winter months. Then I purchase some seeds, and in Spring, I can’t wait to prepare the garden and plant the seeds and plants. Now is the time to harvest the fruits of my labor and I am inundated with zucchini (as is everyone around me)!
There’s nothing like fresh from your garden zucchini, or other summer squash, either steamed or grilled, or even zucchini parmesan! BUT what do you do with all that extra zucchini?
Well, many people make zucchini bread or cake. They freeze well, and then you can bring them out in a couple of months for holiday gatherings. These confections usually contain a lot of sugar, however, and since August is also National Wellness month, with many of us attempting to cut some sugar out of our diets, I searched and searched to find another option.
I’m delighted to share this recipe with you today! I found a zucchini and leek puree recipe that freezes well and can be used later for soups and/or squash casserole! You can use scallions or yellow onion if you prefer, but I love leeks, so they’re my choice for this recipe.
Look how easy it is to make this zucchini puree:
Ingredients:
- 4 small zucchini, thinly sliced (does not need to be peeled)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large leek, white and light green portion (sliced thin)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Steam the zucchini slices over medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add a small amount of the olive oil to a saucepan and sauté the leeks until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Put all in a blender, or if you’re using an immersion blender, put them in a bowl.
- Add the rest of your oil, salt and pepper, any other spices you might like, and blend until pureed.
This puree will stay fresh in your freezer for up to three months.
It’s also easy to make while you’re cooking supper, to save time.
I tested out a recipe for squash casserole with this puree myself last week, and have shared that with you here. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
You can also use this puree to make soup!
Use your own creativity, and taste to add whatever spices or other ingredients you might want. If you stumble upon another lovely tasting recipe, please share it in the comments for the rest of us!
This is also National Dog Month, so, today’s good news story is a wonderful story of dogs being trained as life guards! These dogs enable rescuers to save as many as six people at the same time. How cool is that?! #DogsRule
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/italy-rescue-dogs-lifeguards-2021-sics/
And for today’s video, I have included another quick and easy tool for reducing your anxiety!
Best of Health,
Kathi
