Is organic Italian squash the same as zucchini?

Zucchini is a variety of summer squash commonly used in Italian cooking. Some recipes actually refer to it as "Italian squash." However, other varieties of summer squash are sometimes called Italian squash as well .

Is zucchini an Italian food?

Zucchini, like all squash, has its ancestry in the Americas, specifically Mesoamerica. However, the varieties of green, cylindrical squash harvested immature and typically called "zucchini" were cultivated in northern Italy , as much as three centuries after the introduction of cucurbits from the Americas.

Is it necessary to buy organic zucchini?

According to the Environmental Working Group's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, zucchini and other summer squash rank 28 out of 48, meaning they tend to be low on potentially harmful pesticide residues. If you're concerned about chemical use, buy certified organic squash .

Which is healthier, zucchini or yellow squash?

Is yellow squash as nutritious as zucchini? The two are very similar in terms of their nutrition content and health perks. For example, both are about 95% water, making them low in both calories and carbs, and are decent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.

Does Italian squash taste like zucchini?

Below see the Italian zucchini on top of the regular green zucchini so you can compare its looks. Now you have to bring them home to taste the differences (!). Though you can substitute one for the other in recipes, the Italian is a bit milder and sweeter .

Are squash and zucchini the same?

So, here's the thing: All zucchini are squash, but not all squash are zucchini . Are you even more confused now? The term "squash" refers to a plant species within the gourd family, which is further divided into winter squash and summer squash.

What is the best substitute for zucchini?

Yellow Squash : Similar in texture and taste, yellow squash is a versatile alternative to zucchini, especially in various frying dishes. Celery: Crisp and mild, celery can be a refreshing addition to salads or soups, replacing zucchini's texture.

What is the other name for zucchini?

Courgette or Zucchini English zucchini goes by courgette in England, the French word for the green gourd. The United States inherited the Italian name, and both terms reference the summer squash . Note that the word squash refers to a fruity drink in Britain, and a mature version of the courgette fruit becomes marrow.

Giada's Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia Recipe Is As Good As It Looks | Italian Recipes

I found this recipe for zucchini scarpaccia by the amazing Giada De Laurentiis and was so eager to try it. This one is very similar to Giada's original recipe, but I added a few extra spices to really bring out the crisp and salty flavor of the scarpaccia.

Scarpaccia is a rustic Italian tart that originated in Tuscany. You don’t have to live in Italy to enjoy this traditional Italian recipe tonight. Here is your shopping list to make this yummy Italian recipe: olive oil, fresh zucchini, salt, rice flour, fine cornmeal, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes and eggs.

This zucchini tart looks so pretty and tastes even better than it looks. Serve this vegetarian Italian tart as an appetizer, for lunch, as a light dinner with a salad or as a side dish with any dinner.

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links.

Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup plus1 tablespoonolive oil  (divided)
2 large zucchini, sliced thinly into rounds (roughly 3 1/2 packed cups) 
2 teaspoonssalt  (divided)
1/2 cuprice flour 
1 cup finecornmeal 
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese 
1 teaspoondried oregano
1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
1/2 teaspoononion powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly groundblack pepper
pinch ofcrushedred pepper flakes (optional)
2 large eggs

Helpful Products

Recipe Notes

I topped my zucchini scarpaccia with fresh arugula and fresh lemon juice, but this is optional. You could also serve it with marinara sauce.

It’s really important to get as much of the moisture out of the zucchini as possible to make sure the scarpaccia gets very crispy.

Try this recipe with yellow crookneck squash.

Here's how to make it:

Place a piece of parchment in a 13x9-inch baking pan. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it using clean hands to spread it evenly around the bottom and up the sides halfway. Set to the side.
Slice zucchini nice and thin and place in a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss to combine and set aside for about 15 minutes to let the zucchini release it’s water. After about 15 minutes squeeze out the extra water into the bowl and set zucchini on some paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to press out any more moisture. You really want to get rid of as much of the moisture as possible. Make sure to keep 1/4 cup of the excess water from the zucchini bowl to use in the recipe. (If you don’t have enough add extra water to the zucchini water to make 1/4 cup.)
After saving the water, rinse and dry your bowl and add in rice flour, cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Mix together.
Add eggs, zucchini water and olive oil. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until the thick batter is combined.

See Also
German Cabbage Recipe – Oma's Schmorkohl Rezept Best Irish Barmbrack Recipe - The Fiery Vegetarian Easy Glazed Carrots Recipe 20 Best Black Garlic Recipes To Try
Fold in the zucchini.
Spread the dough evenly into the pan, pressing the mixture down.
Bake in a preheated 425-degree F oven for about 35 to40 minutes or until it is crispy and golden. Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Top with flaky salt, arugula and a little squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Taste and add more salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, if needed. Serve and enjoy!