Revamp your snack game: Baked zucchini with a cheesy twist

Vegetables don't have to be boring, especially for veggie snacks, which can be enriched with a range of delicious toppings. Baked zucchini is a perfect example of there's more to vegetable dishes than just salads. It would help if you gave this recipe a try.

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 taste the boldness of garlic and the freshness of basil, a combination 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 and pairs exceptionally well with garlic and cheeses. Strong cheeses might overpower the subtle notes of zucchini, so opting for mozzarella, which melts nicely and lets other flavours shine, is a great choice.

The list of ingredients for this snack is short, but they come together to make a memorable dish. It's important not to peel the zucchini—the skin helps hold the vegetable together, preventing it from falling apart after being cooked. If you're a fan of spicy flavours, consider adding some chilli flakes to the garlic and basil mix.

Ingredients:

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

Preparation:

1. Wash the zucchinis and cut them into slices about 20 mm thick, 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, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the zucchini in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes. If needed, adjust the oven to around 356°F (or 180°C).
5. Tear the mozzarella balls into small pieces and place them on the zucchini slices. Return everything to 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.