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Zucchini Carpaccio

4.6

(44)

This recipe was inspired by the version at Tramonti e Muffati restaurant, where the dish gets its distinctly Roman flavor from local mint, Sicilian lemons, and two-year-old Grana Padano cheese.

The pine nuts are raw here, as Italians rarely toast them.

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 20 min

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 first-course servings

Ingredients

4 small zucchini (1 lb total)
1/3 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 cup pine nuts (1 oz) 1 (6-oz) piece Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
Garnish: thinly sliced tips of 2 zucchini blossoms*; 4 fresh mint sprigs

Special Equipment

a Japanese Benriner** or other adjustable-blade slicer

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut zucchini diagonally into paper-thin slices with slicer. Arrange slices, overlapping slightly, in 1 layer on 4 plates.

    Step 2

    Make stacks of mint leaves and cut crosswise into very thin slivers, then sprinkle over zucchini.

    Step 3

    Whisk together oil and lemon juice in a small bowl, then drizzle over zucchini. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper to taste, and pine nuts. Let stand 10 minutes to soften zucchini and allow flavors to develop.

    Step 4

    Just before serving, use a vegetable peeler to shave cheese to taste over zucchini, then sprinkle with zucchini blossoms and mint.

    Step 5

    *Available at specialty produce markets and some supermarkets. **Available at Asian markets, some cookware shops, and Uwajimaya (800-899-1928).

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