Zucchini Fritti
(Fried zucchini or marrow)

Zucchini fritti are a simple but very tasty snack

Zucchini fritti (Fried zucchini or marrow) are a very quick Italian snack to make. This dish can be made with either small zucchini or large marrow but they must be organically grown in order to get the best flavour. If you use the ones that you buy at a supermarket it would be a waste if time as they will have little or no flavour. Some people like to add a beaten egg to the Zucchini Fritti but I prefer to eat them on their own. The flavour is too good on its own so does not need anything added. This dish will taste best when cooked on top of a solid fuel stove.

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

3 lb (1.5Kg) organic marrow or zucchini equivalent
2 oz butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (beaten) - optional
salt and pepper (to taste)

Method:

1. Prepare the marrow or zucchini by washing and drying them.

2. Cut off the tops of the zucchini.

3. Cut off the bottoms of the zucchini.

4. Slice the zucchini into half inch slices.

(If you are using a large marrow, you should cut it into quarters and scoop out the seeds before slicing).

5. Heat a large heavy-based frying pan over a low heat.

6. Add the butter.

7. When the butter is hot add the sliced marrow or zucchini.

8. Stir with a wooden spoon to ensure that they are all coated in the butter.

9. Add salt.

10. Add pepper.

11. Increase heat to medium setting.

12. Partially cover pan with lid and cook for 5 minutes.

12. Remove cover and continue to cook over a medium to low heat.

13. They should look like this after about 16 minutes.

14. Stir frequently so that the zucchini or marrow do not stick to the pan.

15. Keep cooking until the marrow or zucchini have taken on a golden-brown colour and turned into a pulp consistency.

16. Stir the content of the pan frequently so that it does not stick.

17. After 25 minutes cooking, they should look like this:

18.Those of you who wish to add the beaten eggs, can do so now.

19. Continue cooking until the beaten eggs have been cooked.

21. Spoon cooked zucchini onto a hot plate.

22. Serve Italian bread with zucchini fritti.

Tip:

1. Although I listed this recipe as a snack, it can easily be a first course by the addition of a side salad of your choice.

To discover more about Italian food visit the Italian Traditional Food webpage