This is a very Italian way to prepare zucchini, almost like an antipasti. Pan-fried, then gently braised, the zucchini tastes so good with fennel seeds, garlic, chilli and lemon zest – with sultanas adding a hint of sweetness. We decided to turn this dish into a warm salad, to really let the flavours sing. PREPARATION TIME

25 minutes (including 15 minutes soaking)

 

COOKING TIME

25 minutes

 

SERVES 4

1½ tablespoons olive oil,

plus extra for drizzling

over the salad

6 small or 5 medium-sized zucchini (courgettes), about 550–600 g (1 lb 4 oz–1 lb

5 oz), sliced about 2 cm

(¾ inch) thick

1 garlic clove, crushed

¼ teaspoon fennel seeds

2 pinches of chilli flakes

zest and juice of ½ lemon

2–3 thyme sprigs

a pinch of salt

1 tablespoon sultanas

(golden raisins)

3 cups picked parsley leaves

1 tablespoon chopped tarragon

80–100 g (2¾ oz–3½ oz) fresh ricotta cheese

Add the olive oil to a saucepan large enough to fit all the zucchini slices in one layer. Heat over medium–high heat, then add the zucchini slices, in one flat layer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown.

Flip the zucchini slices over. Sprinkle with the garlic, fennel seeds, chilli flakes, lemon zest, thyme sprigs and salt. Put the lid on, reduce the heat to very low and let the zucchini cook for 10–15 minutes, until turning soft.

Turn off the heat and let the zucchini sit in the pan, with the lid on, for another 5–10 minutes.

Meanwhile, soak the sultanas in a little hot water for 10–15 minutes, then drain and finely chop. Set aside.

Place the warm zucchini slices in a large mixing bowl and ‘tear’ them apart with the side of a spoon. Add the chopped sultanas, parsley, tarragon and lemon juice and mix together gently.

Place the salad in a serving dish. Finish with dollops of the ricotta and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Grind some black pepper over the top and serve immediately.

TIP: Cook the zucchini a little bit longer with the lid

on, then mash it with a fork and serve as a delicious dip

for scooping up with crusty sourdough, or tossed through hot pasta.

This amazing recipe was shared from Cornersmith’s new cookbook Cornersmith Salads and Pickles by Alex Elliott-Howery and Sabine Spindler (Murdoch Books, RRP $39.99). Photography by Alan Benson.