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KETO LOW-CARB ZUCCHINI TAPAS (HEART HEALTHY)

Name: KETO LOW-CARB ZUCCHINI TAPAS
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: LUNCH
Ingredients: 3 zucchini, washed and sliced into ½” pieces; Salt as needed; 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped; ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 4 tablespoons olive oil (1+1+1+1 as needed)

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I know you’re going to love these Keto Low-Carb Zucchini Tapas!

If entertaining family and friends, you can still serve a variety of hors d’oeuvres or tapas before dinner. Your guests would not even notice that the little nuggets are Keto Low-Carb compliant. I love Spanish tapas. My husband Shawn loves zucchini for its taste and nutrition and mostly because it’s anti-inflammatory. So I’m always searching for new ways to enjoy this fruit! Yes, it’s a fruit.

WHAT ARE TAPAS?

Tapas are a type of Spanish cuisine that consist of a wide variety of small dishes or snacks, typically served with drinks at bars and restaurants. These dishes can range from cold plates such as olives, cheese, and cured meats, to hot dishes like croquettes, grilled shrimp, and fried potatoes. Tapas are meant to encourage socializing and conversation, and are often shared among a group of people. The tradition of tapas originated in Spain, and has since spread to many other parts of the world, becoming a popular and enjoyable way to experience different flavors and cuisines.

IS ZUCCHINI A VEGETABLE OR FRUIT?

While we enjoy this food in savory dishes like hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, soups, salads, and entrées, it’s a fruit. It’s summer squash. Zucchini contains seeds and grows on the flowering part of the zucchini plant.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EAT ZUCCHINI?

Zucchini is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some of the best ways to eat zucchini:

Grilled or roasted: Slice zucchini into rounds or lengthwise strips, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill or roast until tender and slightly charred.
Sauteed: Cut zucchini into bite-sized pieces and sauté in a pan with garlic, onion, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Spiralized: Use a spiralizer to turn zucchini into long, thin noodles that can be used as a healthy alternative to pasta. Top with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Baked: Slice zucchini into thin rounds, dip in beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy.
Raw: Zucchini can be eaten raw in salads or as a crunchy snack. Cut into thin strips or use a mandoline to create thin ribbons, then toss with your favorite dressing or dip.

No matter how you choose to eat zucchini, it is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can support a healthy and balanced diet.

WHAT IS THE TASTE PROFILE OF KETO LOW-CARB ZUCCHINI TAPAS?

These Keto Low-Carb Zucchini Tapas are dense and meaty with some fattiness from the pan-frying and lots of garlicky pleasure.

WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF KETO LOW-CARB ZUCCHIN TAPAS?

Zucchini is a great addition to any diet as it is low in calories and high in nutrients. One medium-sized zucchini contains only about 30 calories but provides important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Additionally, zucchini is a good source of antioxidants which can help protect against certain diseases. When cooked, zucchini is also a good source of water which can help keep you hydrated. Overall, zucchini is a great vegetable to incorporate into your meals to boost your nutritional intake and support a healthy diet.

One cup (223 grams) of cooked zucchini provides:
• Calories: 17
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Carbs: 3 grams
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Vitamin A: 40% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
• Manganese: 16% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
• Potassium: 13% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 9% of the RDI
• Folate: 8% of the RDI
• Copper: 8% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 7% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 5% of the RDI

WHAT ARE ZUCCHINI’S HEALTH BENEFITS?

Zucchini is a type of summer squash that is packed with nutrients and health benefits. One of the main benefits of zucchini is that it is low in calories but high in fiber, which makes it a great food for weight loss and digestive health. Additionally, zucchini is a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Furthermore, zucchini contains antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids, which can help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. These antioxidants may also help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common factor in many chronic diseases. Additionally, the high water content in zucchini can help keep the body hydrated and promote healthy skin.

In summary, zucchini is a nutrient-dense vegetable that can provide a range of health benefits. Its high fiber and low calorie content make it a great addition to any weight loss or digestive health plan, while its rich antioxidant content may help protect against chronic diseases.

WHAT NON ALC WINE HARMONIZES WITH KETO LOW-CARB ZUCCHINI TAPAS?

Keto Low-Carb Zucchini Tapas offer a delicious garlicky pleasure that needs to be paired with a non alcoholic wine to match. Zucchini even pan-fried has some vegetable flavour that works nicely with non-alc wines with similar herbal tones, such as Sauvignon Blanc. The non alcoholic wine’s acidity will also nicely offset the little fattiness from the olive oil frying. Choose a crisp, dry white, such as de-alcoholized Sauvignon Blanc.

Zero Alcohol Wine Tips:

ALCOHOL AND KETOSIS:

To support your Keto diet or low-carb lifestyle, opt for quality, non-alcoholic wines that are low-carb and low in sugar. Additionally, alcohol does not align with a keto diet or low-carb lifestyle. Moreover, your liver processes alcohol before nutrients, pausing ketone creation and slowing the ketosis process. Furthermore, your body will metabolize alcohol as fuel before utilizing food, which can decelerate fat burning and may lead to the storage of carbs, fat, and protein as excess body fat. Moreover, alcohol consumption stimulates the appetite, potentially causing overeating.

ALCOHOL AND HEALTH:

Did you know that when you consume alcohol, your liver has to work extra hard to break it down? This can result in damage to your liver. Furthermore, it can elevate your risk of health issues such as inflammation and cancer, particularly with heavy consumption. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling dehydrated and disrupting your body’s normal functions.

NON-ALCOHOLIC WINE AND HEALTH BENEFITS:

Non-alcoholic wines with minimal carbs and sugar are advantageous for your health. They not only aid in weight management, blood sugar control, and hydration but also contain essential nutrients and antioxidants from grapes that can decrease your risk of health conditions like heart disease. Consequently, since they lack alcohol, they’re ideal for socializing without any adverse effects, promoting feelings of happiness and reduced stress.

IS ZUCCHINI OKAY TO EAT RAW?

Zucchini is safe to eat raw, however, too much may cause bloating in some people. You may not enjoy it as much raw if you are a sensitive super taster. Raw zucchini can taste bitter to some people. This bitterness comes from cucurbitacins, which are a class of compounds found in members of the Cucurbitaceae family. Zucchini is a member of this family.

DO YOU PEEL ZUCCHINI?

Don’t peel your zucchini! The skin of zucchini contains a significant amount of nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your diet. In fact, the skin of zucchini has more antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin A than the flesh of the vegetable. It is also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

Antioxidants are important nutrients that help protect your body against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. Fiber promotes healthy digestion, helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and can help you to feel full, which is beneficial if you are trying to maintain a healthy weight. Vitamin A is important for healthy vision, while vitamin C helps to support a healthy immune system. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure, and magnesium is important for healthy bones.

So, if you’re cooking with zucchini, consider leaving the skin on to reap all of these nutritional benefits. Just be sure to wash the zucchini well before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

WHAT KETO LOW-CARB RECIPES CAN I ENJOY?

KETO LOW-CARB TUNA-CHEDDAR PASTA CASSEROLE

Keto Low-Carb Tuna Cheddar Pasta Casserole

Keto Low-Carb Turkey Pot Pie

Keto Low-Carb Zoodle Caprese Salad

Keto Low-Carb Matzo Ball Soup

Keto Low-Carb Japanese Crab Noodle Salad

Keto Low-Carb Cheddar Biscuits

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE?

Cutting board
Knife
Baking pan
Paper towels
Fry pan
Spatula
Bowl

HOW IS KETO LOW-CARB ZUCCHINI TAPAS PREPARED?

Wash zucchini.

Cut zucchini into 1/2″ cubes and set on baking sheet lined with paper towel. Drizzle salt on each cube. Leave for a half hour. The zucchini’s water will rise to the surface. Pat dry. Turn over and repeat. Rinse salt from cubes and pat dry. Set aside.

PAN FRYING ZUCCHINI FOR KETO ZUCCHINI TAPAS

Heat dry iron skillet. Add olive oil. Set cubes in skillet. Sear on each side for about 4 minutes per side. When done set on paper towel to drain excess oil.

Chop garlic. Chop parsley.

Finely chop garlic and fresh parsley together.

In olive oil fry garlic and parsley to just aromatic. Remove from heat and let cool.

Set zucchini cubes on platter.

Spoon about a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic/parsley mixture on each cube. Serve at room temperature.