June 28, 2013

Grilled zucchini stack

This grilled zucchini stack with fresh ricotta and green tomatoes is perfect for summer.

A few weeks ago I was walking up and down the cheese display at the Whole Foods local equivalent grocery store near me mesmerized by all the choices. Instead of the typical 3 or 4 dairy aisle big brands, there were literally hundreds of choices in front of me.

So of course I ended up picking what I know instead of trying something new like a big girl.

Ricotta.

Now it’s not that I haven’t had fresh ricotta before, I definitely have. But I have never bought it, brought it home and had it at my disposal for a few days.

Grilled zucchini stack

Guys…it’s like creamy candy. The addiction sets in fast. Before you know it you’re on your 3rd bowl of the day with honey and fresh fruit and that’s after you’ve already taken a spoonful every time you open the fridge. It’s the new nut butter.

Grilled zucchini stacked with ricotta

When I ran out after the first purchase, I walked over to the “big brand” ricottas in the normal grocery store ready to throw a whole milk ricotta into the cart until I turned the container around and read the label.

Guar gum? Carrageenan? Xanthan gum? REALLY?! Maybe that’s why that stuff doesn’t even compare to the creamy deliciousness of the fresh stuff.

Minus 10 more points for conventional grocery store crap. Current score: -5000000

Zucchini with ricotta

So off to the Whole Foods-esque store I went to get more of my fix and I haven’t been without it since. I haven’t really used it much outside of breakfast and snacking, but this time I wanted to highlight it’s freshness in a side dish.

Zucchini are grilled, green tomatoes are sliced, roasted corn is sprinkled about and a balsamic drizzle is poured on top. All with huge dollops of creamy, fresh ricotta in between. It’s seriously bliss with every bite.

Yield: 2 servings

Grilled Zucchini Stack

Grilled zucchini and green tomatoes stacked with fresh ricotta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 large green zucchini, cut in half and sliced into strips thick enough to hold up on a grill.
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 green tomato, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta
  • 1/4 cup grilled corn kernels
  • balsamic vinegar
  • basil

Instructions

  1. Brush zucchini strips with olive oil and cook on a grill or grill pan for about 3-5 minutes per side (depends on thickness of strips) until they are cooked with grill marks but still retain their form.
  2. Remove zucchini and set aside.
  3. Assemble stacks by placing zucchini slice then a tomato slice, then a dollop of ricotta. Repeat 4 or 5 times per stack.
  4. Sprinkle with roasted corn, drizzle with balsamic and garnish with basil.
© Running to the Kitchen
Category: Side Dishes

 

22 Comments

  1. Elizabeth

    I have no access to fresh ricotta, so just looked it up and it looks incredibly easy! I can’t wait to make my own and whip this beauties up too!

    Reply ↓
    1. Running to the Kitchen Post author

      Ironically, one of my favorite other bloggers posted a recipe for it yesterday! http://bakerbynature.com/?p=7728 didn’t see it until after this post went up, but it’s perfect timing! I’m going to try making my own too. Easy & cheaper!

      Reply ↓
    1. Running to the Kitchen Post author

      Hi Alisha-thanks for stopping by! I know I’m always trying to come up with ways to use up zucchini, it seems to be everywhere in the summer!

      Reply ↓
  13. Cheryl

    I recognize the ricotta container and it’s delicious. What type of balsamic did you use. That looks like a unique vessel. Love the video!

    Reply ↓
    1. Running to the Kitchen Post author

      it was a sample of balsamic glaze I got from somewhere, I honestly can’t remember when/where! It’s just a little vial. The glaze is a bit thicker than normal balsamic, I’m assuming it’s just reduced b/c it’s a tad sweeter than usual :)

      Reply ↓

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