2 Tasting Zucchini Appetizers For A Fun Party

2 Tasting Zucchini Appetizers For A Fun Party

When you get invited to a friend’s party or hosting one for yourself then chances are you’d be asked to bring a plate of appetizers or when the party is at your house then you’d be really compelled to provide these tasty nibbles to get your guests occupied before starting the formal dinner.

Appetizers are great ways to get your guests to feel at home and give them a chance to mingle with some other guests. You might have some vegetarian friends so it would be important that you prepare vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers to tide your guests over.

You could always make tiny cheese sandwiches, a vegetable platter with some dips, or chicken lollipops for the non-vegetarian guest. There should be something for everybody. Below are great zucchini appetizer dishes that you can bring or prepare for your next party. They’d be good for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Best of all, they taste delicious.

ZUCCHINI PARMESAN CHIPS
(for vegetarians)

Cooking spray
2 medium zucchini
1 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat your oven to 450. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Slice the zucchini into 1/4″ rounds (I use a mandolin, which makes it super easy!). Into a medium bowl, toss the zucchini with the oil. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, and some pepper in a bowl.

Dip each piece of zucchini into your Parmesan mixture, coating evenly. Place each piece in a single layer onto the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes and serve immediately.

Servings: 4

FRIED ZUCCHINI APPETIZERS
(for non-vegetarians)

3 medium zucchini or 3 small sweet potatoes
1 slightly beaten egg
1 pound ground raw chicken or ground raw turkey (2 cups)
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sesame seed
Dash salt
Dash pepper
Cooking oil or shortening for deep-fat frying
1 slightly beaten egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup ice water
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ice cubes
Soy sauce (optional)

Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch-thick slices or slice the sweet potato into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Combine 1 egg, chicken or turkey, onion, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seed, the dash of salt, & the pepper. Sprinkle each side of the zucchini or sweet potato slices with additional salt and pepper. Spread one side of each zucchini or sweet potato slice with about 2 teaspoons of the chicken or turkey mixture.

In a wok or 3-quart saucepan heat 1-1/2 to 2 inches of cooking oil or shortening to 365 degree F. Meanwhile, for batter, in a mixing bowl combine 1 egg, flour, ice water, the 2 tablespoons oil, sugar, & the 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Mix just until moistened (a few lumps should remain). Stir in ice cubes. Use the batter at once. Dip the zucchini slices in batter, swirling to coat. Allow excess batter to drip off. Fry, a few at a time, in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes or until light brown, turning slices once.

Using a wire strainer or slotted spoon, remove food from the oil. Drain on a wok rack or on paper towels. Keep warm in a 300 degree F oven while frying the remaining slices. Serve warm. If desired, pass soy sauce. Makes 8 appetizer servings.