Yummy Zoodles With Indian Style Pesto

Yummy Zoodles With Indian Style Pesto

Zucchini noodles, lovingly known as Zoodles, are one of the best ways to use all your summer zucchini. Zoodles has exploded onto the culinary scene as a gluten-free pasta alternative-plus, they add color, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to meals. If you’re looking for a low-carb, low-cal, weight-loss-friendly, healthy alternative to pasta or fun way to sneak in these yummy servings, look no further than the fabulous zucchini noodle.  You can easily spiralize vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, butternut squash or beets at home, or buy them ready to eat, and conveniently whip up healthy meals in minutes. Top zoodles with pesto, marinara sauce, or a simple drizzle of olive oil with parmesan cheese, or toss into salads and soups. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups zucchini (fresh or frozen)spirals 

• 1 cups fresh coriander leaves, loosely packed

• 1/2 cups fresh mint leaves, loosely packed

• 1/4 cup cashew nuts

•  2 small garlic cloves

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 or 2 green chilies 

• 1 Fresh lime

• Pinch of salt 

Directions:

Soak cashew nuts in water or milk for few hours.

Pulse the coriander leaves,  mint leaves, soaked cashew, garlic, cheese, oil, salt, and green chilies a food processor until thoroughly blended. Scrape down the sides and pulse a few more times to mix well.

Place the zucchini spirals in a medium saucepan with olive oil. Sauté the zucchini noodles in the pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain excess liquid and portion the noodles into bowls.

Top each with a generous tablespoon of pesto Gently toss and squeeze little lime on top.

Add 2 tsp of  Parmesan cheese and decorate fresh mint leaves and enjoy. Makes 4 (2-cup) servings.

 

 Nutritional Facts and Benefits:

According to the USDA nutrient database, one cup of sliced zucchini contains 19 calories, 1.5 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, and 3 grams of sugar. It also provides calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and a host of other vitamins and minerals your body needs to maintain optimum function. Zucchini is one of the lowest-calorie vegetables when compared to the same serving size as other nutritious vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Coming in at only 19 calories per cup, zucchini also packs a nutritious punch. The bright green summer squash contains potassium, vitamin C, folate, vitamin A, and iron, no cholesterol, and almost zero fat. Zucchini is also a super low-carb fruit, containing only 4 grams of carbs per cup when eaten raw. Plus, its high water content means it’ll keep you feeling fuller, longer with every bite. 

Tips:

Enjoy this recipe with any spiralized vegetables. such as yellow squash, butternut squash or beets. To make zucchini spirals from scratch, use a handy kitchen gadget called a spiralizer or a small knife, peeler or grater. Use washed, unpeeled zucchini to create long, thin veggie noodles. Also, jarred pesto can be used instead.