Sautéed Zucchini with Dried Tomato  

Zucchini con Pomidoro Secco  

Cucuzzzedi cu Pumaroru  

Fresh zucchini are available all year around. They can be grilled, fried, boiled, cooked with pasta, stuffed with meat or vegetables or transformed into a side dish (contorno ) to couple with chicken, veal or fish.
This small vegetable is 4 to 6 inches long and has a dark or pale green skin. It is very popular for the delicate flavor and for the easiness of the preparation.
Zucchini have a good nutritional value and in fact they are a source of iron, vitamin A and riboflavin.  

SERVES 6  

INGREDIENTS 

· 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 

· 1 ½ lb. zucchini (about 4 medium or 6 small) 

· 4 large sun dried tomatoes 

· 1 small onion, finely diced 

· Salt and pepper 

PREPARATION  

The Zucchini
Place the zucchini in a basin with cold water for a few minutes.
Using a brush, gently scrub the zucchini under running water to remove any sand or down, the soft feathery substance that grows on the soft skin of the zucchini. Drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Cut off the stems and cut each zucchini in 3 or 4 pieces; then cut each piece lengthwise into 6 wedges. Set on the side.  

The Tomato
Chop dried tomatoes and set on the side.  

The Making
In a 5 ½ quart sauté pan, over medium heat, place 4 tablespoons of oil and the diced onion. Cook over a medium heat until the sliced onions are translucent, for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the dried tomato and sauté for additional 2 minutes.
Add the zucchini, salt and pepper to taste, cover with a tight lid and simmer for additional 5 minutes or until tender but firm.
Using a slatted spoon transfer the zucchini into a large dish; serve immediately with crushed red pepper on the side.  

NOTE:
If dried tomatoes are not on hand, replace them with 4 fresh tomatoes.
Wash and dry tomatoes. Split lengthwise, quarter and remove seeds and some skin. Chop into bits and set on the side. Add the fresh tomato bits to the onion and sauté for 5 minutes instead of 2 minutes.