Got zucchini? Get easy recipes and ideas to overcome zucchini overload without losing your friends. Learn some simple recipes and the best way to freeze zucchini to use later. Believe it or not, there are actually places that welcome zucchini donations. Read on for some simple solutions to make the most of your abundant zucchini crop.
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My Zucchini Overload Adventures
It happens every year, and it should not take me by surprise, but it does. The zucchini harvest creeps up on me. It used to strike fear in my heart, but I now have some effective, easy ideas, and I will no longer be intimidated. I am now grateful for my abundant zucchini harvest, and you can be, too. If you have experienced zucchini-induced helplessness in the past and don’t know where to turn for help, this article is for you.
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There are mountains of resources out there with wonderful and creative ideas for using zucchini. I stumbled across an article listing 80 different ways to make use of this prolific product of the garden, so yes, there are plenty of ideas, but perhaps you do not have time to read through 80 different techniques or recipes. That is why I am here. I have read through all 80 of those ideas, and many more, an I have curated them down to my favorites. Here they are, and depending upon your situation, you might find one to work better for you than others. Here is the best idea if you know you want to eat your zucchini sometime in the next few months.
Shred Away!
Quickly and easily convert your zucchini into a manageable form to go into the freezer with this handy Cuisinart food processor. The interchangeable discs and blade make it a very versatile kitchen accessory.
Here are the simple steps to avoiding zucchini overload by shredding and freezing zucchini:
Wash the outside of the zucchini, but do not worry about peeling it. slice off the stem and blossom ends, halve lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, then slice into spears that will fit down the chute of the food processor. With the grating disc attached, press each slice of zucchini down into the processor until the bowl is filled with shreds. Dump the shredded zucchini out into a colander lined with paper towels, cover with more paper towels and squeeze the liquid out of the zucchini.
When the zucchini has drained, put the shreds into a gallon-sized plastic freezer bag, then transfer the bag to the freezer. This shredded zucchini may be used in future zucchini breads, zucchini fritters, cakes, or cookies. Zucchini can be a vegetable option at a raclette dinner party. Even better, you may use the shreds in casseroles or canned spaghetti sauce, where they will be somewhat disguised from family members with an aversion to squash of any kind. It’s sneaky, but effective.
Sometimes, you may want to eat your zucchini right away, but you may have family members who practice zucchini-avoidance techniques. These family members may be on to your “sneaking in the shreds” strategy, so it might be best just to come clean and create a dish which obviously has zucchini in it, but it might be presented in such a way as to be appealing to even the most hardened zucchini-avoiders. This idea is best for when you would like to consume your zucchini right away and have everyone eat it without complaining:
Make Fried Zucchini (AKA Giant Toes)
Did you know that with a little creativity, chunks of fried zucchini can become giant toes or even mummy toes? Get the fun and easy recipe, along with fabulous dipping sauces. Even picky eaters will love the idea of eating these!
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
2 eggs, beaten
olive oil (enough to fill a frying pan 1/2 inch).
Directions
Cut zucchini crosswise in half, then slice each piece lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices. Mix seasoning salt with flour, then heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Dip the zucchini slices into the beaten eggs, then toss the zucchini in the flour mixture. Fry slices in hot oil until lightly browned, then drain on a paper towel. These are best served hot dipped in your favorite salad dressing or dipping sauce. This is the only way my whole family will eat zucchini with a smile.
Need Another Awesome Zucchini Recipe?
Check out this recipe for butternut squash mini pizzas. You can use zucchini instead. It’s easy, healthy, and fast!
Need an easy idea for spaghetti squash? Try this easy sheet pan creamy spaghetti squash dinner idea.
Too Busy to Make Anything with Your Zucchini?
Due to a busy schedule, there may be times when you do not even want to deal with your overabundance of zucchini. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone else handle it? This final idea is best for when you do not want to even look at another zucchini:
Take Your Zucchini to a Local Food Pantry
There is a food pantry in my town that takes fresh garden produce from local home gardeners. There may be one in your neighborhood as well. Each time I have taken something, it has been accepted with grateful thanks, even during zucchini season.
What Are Your Best Zucchini Overload Solutions?
I am thankful for the produce from my garden. When there is an overabundance of something, I try to make good use of it. I hope this blog post has given you a few ideas without seeming overwhelming. How about you? Do you have a favorite quick and easy way to escape from giant zucchini overabundance? I’d sure appreciate it if you would take the time to share your idea.
More Food Inspiration
It’s always nice to have a plan when it comes to meals. If you’re looking for a way to get more organized with your meal-planning efforts, I’ve got something for you. Free, editable meal planners! The templates can be used over and over, as often as you need them. You can make as many duplicates as you like, and you’ll be able to save old meal plans for future reference. I hope it simplifies things for you.
Get my digital, editable, printable templates!
May all of your zucchini endeavors meet with great success!
Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. To get more easy recipes, click on over to the Food page.