Zucchini Crisp: A Delightful Summer Dessert (and Savory Option!)
Zucchini, the prolific summer squash, often leaves gardeners and home cooks overwhelmed with its abundance. While zucchini bread and fritters are classic choices, have you ever considered a zucchini crisp? This versatile dish offers a delightful twist on traditional fruit crisps, showcasing zucchini’s mild flavor and adaptable texture. Whether you’re craving a sweet dessert or a savory side, a zucchini crisp can be tailored to your preferences. Let’s explore how to create this delicious and unexpected treat.
Why Zucchini Crisp?
Zucchini crisp might sound unusual, but its appeal lies in several factors:
* **Versatility:** Zucchini’s neutral flavor makes it a blank canvas for both sweet and savory combinations. You can add fruits, spices, herbs, and cheeses to create a crisp that suits your taste.
* **Texture:** When cooked, zucchini becomes tender and slightly sweet, similar to apples or pears in a traditional crisp. It provides a moist and satisfying base for the crunchy topping.
* **Simplicity:** Crisps are generally easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Zucchini crisp is no exception, making it a perfect weeknight dessert or side dish.
* **Healthy-ish:** While crisp toppings often contain butter and sugar, you can easily modify the recipe to reduce fat and sugar content, making it a relatively healthy dessert option (especially compared to cakes and pies).
* **Creative Use of Abundance:** If your garden (or your neighbor’s garden!) is overflowing with zucchini, this is a fantastic way to use them up in a unique and delicious way.
Sweet Zucchini Crisp Recipe
This recipe is a classic take on zucchini crisp, highlighting the squash’s sweetness with warm spices and a buttery topping.
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Filling:**
* 4 cups zucchini, shredded or thinly sliced (about 2 medium zucchini)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Pastry blender or fork
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Zucchini:** Wash and trim the zucchini. You can peel it if you prefer, but it’s not necessary. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or thinly slice it with a mandoline. If using shredded zucchini, gently squeeze out any excess moisture with paper towels to prevent the crisp from becoming soggy.
2. **Make the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded or sliced zucchini, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss well to ensure the zucchini is evenly coated.
3. **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the zucchini filling into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
4. **Make the Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
5. **Assemble the Crisp:** Sprinkle the topping evenly over the zucchini filling, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
6. **Bake the Crisp:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
**Tips and Variations for Sweet Zucchini Crisp:**
* **Add Fruit:** Enhance the sweetness and flavor by adding other fruits to the filling. Apples, pears, peaches, berries, or even dried cranberries or raisins work well.
* **Spice it Up:** Experiment with different spices. Cardamom, cloves, or allspice can add warmth and complexity.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Replace some or all of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more nuanced sweetness.
* **Nutmeg Variations:** Freshly grated nutmeg is always better than pre-ground, if you have it available.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free rolled oats in the topping.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute vegan butter for the dairy butter in the topping. Ensure the sugar used is also vegan.
Savory Zucchini Crisp Recipe
For a savory twist, this zucchini crisp incorporates cheese, herbs, and garlic, making it a delicious side dish or light meal.
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Filling:**
* 4 cups zucchini, shredded or thinly sliced (about 2 medium zucchini)
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a combination of oregano, basil, and thyme)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup cornmeal
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Pastry blender or fork
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Zucchini:** Wash and trim the zucchini. You can peel it if you prefer, but it’s not necessary. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or thinly slice it with a mandoline. If using shredded zucchini, gently squeeze out any excess moisture with paper towels.
2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Make the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded or sliced zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
4. **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the zucchini filling into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
5. **Make the Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, garlic powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. **Assemble the Crisp:** Sprinkle the topping evenly over the zucchini filling, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
7. **Bake the Crisp:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or light meal.
**Tips and Variations for Savory Zucchini Crisp:**
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Enhance the flavor and texture by adding other vegetables to the filling. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, cheddar, or feta cheese would all be delicious.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives for a brighter flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Meat Additions:** For a heartier dish, add cooked sausage, bacon, or ground beef to the filling.
* **Bread Crumbs:** Use panko bread crumbs in the topping for extra crunch.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan butter for the dairy butter in the topping. Substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese to retain the cheesy flavor.
Tips for Success with Zucchini Crisp
No matter which version you choose (sweet or savory), these tips will help you achieve the best results:
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Use the recommended pan size to ensure the zucchini cooks evenly and the topping browns properly. Overcrowding the pan can lead to a soggy crisp.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the crisp and adjust the baking time as needed. The topping should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbly.
* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly topping. Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients.
* **Let it Cool:** Allow the crisp to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken and prevents it from being too runny.
* **Storage:** Leftover zucchini crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. The topping may lose some of its crispness after being refrigerated.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze zucchini crisp. It’s best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
**Sweet Zucchini Crisp:**
* Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert.
* Serve it as part of a dessert buffet or potluck.
**Savory Zucchini Crisp:**
* Serve warm as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* Pair it with a salad for a light and healthy meal.
* Serve it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* Enjoy it for breakfast or brunch alongside eggs and bacon.
Zucchini Crisp: A Delicious and Versatile Dish
Zucchini crisp is a surprisingly delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory forms. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a perfect way to use up that abundant summer zucchini. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert or a flavorful side dish, zucchini crisp is sure to please. So, get creative, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy this unexpected culinary delight!
Enjoy your zucchini crisp! Remember to share your creations and variations in the comments below.