I had a wonderful zucchini season this past summer and in addition to making several zucchini bread loaves, I was on the hunt for finding a more savory recipe for this versatile fruit. Did you know that although it is treated and widely referred to as a vegetable, zucchini is actually a fruit? Anyway, I found this recipe that combines zucchini with pasta and is married with a nice and tasty hummus sauce. I still have future plans for making more zucchini bread, but I am planning on making a gluten-free variety for the first time. Stay tuned.
The Recipe
At first, I thought the idea of using hummus with pasta would be too dry, but this recipe actually works. Traditionally, hummus is a Middle Eastern dip, spread, or savory dish made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. I think the addition of the liquid from the broth with the consistency of the hummus, made for a nice and creamy sauce. It just works and I can appreciate the addition of a protein-rich source with the use of chickpeas in this simple and easy to prepare meal. I would like to thank Dara from the Cookin Canuck for this exceptional recipe. It’s got a generous amount of flavor and an interesting way to use zucchini.
The Ingredients
13 Ounces Whole-Wheat Linguini
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
1/2 Onion Thinly Sliced
2 Garlic Cloves Minced
1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
4 Cups Julienned Zucchini
3/4 Cup Vegetable Broth
1/2 Cup Store-Bought or Homemade Hummus
2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
1/4 Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/4 Cup Minced Flat-Leaf Parsley
1/4 Teaspoon Salt Plus More to Taste
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Pepper Plus More to Taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Linguini
Begin by cooking the linguini according to the directions on the package.
Cooking the Onions & Garlic
In a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat, heat the olive oil and then add the onion and cook until tender. This should take five to six minutes. Then, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for thirty seconds.
Adding the Zucchini & Making the Sauce
Add the zucchini to the skillet and cook while stirring for two minutes. Next, stir in the vegetable broth, hummus, and rice vinegar. Cook until the hummus is dissolved and the sauce is nice and warm.
Add the linguini, feta cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper to the sauce, and toss together until the pasta is coated. Your pasta dish is now ready to serve and enjoy.
