Mysty PfefferWhat do you do when the zucchini is coming on strong? There are two things I like to make: Zucchini veggie burgers and zucchini relish. You will find both recipes in this post today. They are low calorie, low carb, and nutritious!
The interesting thing about large amounts of zucchini is you can reduce the size by salting it well and setting it aside for the water to leach out. Then you take handfuls of it and squeeze out the excess water.
For the relish, I just shred it and add salt, drain it a little in a colander; then add apple cider vinegar, green pepper or banana peppers, onions, and black pepper. If you like a sweet relish, you can add a teaspoon of honey.
All I can say is, it’s a fun time of year to be alive!
Benefits of Zucchini
Zucchini is rich in antioxidants, zeaxanthin, and lutein, which are known for their role in helping to prevent macular degeneration, and cataracts. (1) Both of these carotenoids are thought to improve bone density as well. A study of Korean men and women found improved bone density in the femoral neck, total hip, and overall body with consistent intake of these antioxidants. (2)
You may also be happy to learn, a study in Brazil investigated the nutritional value of zucchini raw verses steamed. They found an increase in the antioxidant availability when the items were steamed. (3) Maybe even more interesting in this study, was how microwaved steaming increased potassium and sodium concentrations. (3).
Maybe that old myth about microwaving is not true after all!
Regardless, of how you prepare your summer squash, whether in these zucchini veggie burgers and relish or placing it in your bread, you will reap some benefits. And that my friend, is exactly what God wants you to do with all the food He provides.
You and I are wise to ditch the ultra-processed, over sugared items offered by manufacturers to make money. We can stick with what God designed to nourish and sustain us from the garden, right?!
Devotion
But I have said to you, ‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples.
Leviticus 20:24
Leviticus 20:23-25 ESV – And you shall not walk in the customs – Bible Gateway
With all the summer vegetables and fruit bushes overflowing in our back yard right now it’s easy to see His provision. Each time I go pick another round of cabbage, corn, green beans, potatoes, peppers, onions, Bok choy, and cucumbers I can’t help but praise God for His generosity.
The joy of it gives me flashbacks to my bible reading, and how Israel celebrated together and offered Firstfruits to God. So, I borrowed some tables and chairs from church last Sunday and invited my family over for a Harvest Feast to help celebrate the goodness God provides.
God promised Israel a” land flowing with milk and honey”. The phrase is mentioned twenty-three times from Exodus to Ezekiel. It indicates a land of abundance, and one scholar points out the milk and the honey occur without sacrifice or death.
She says, “The natural way these resources are produced reflects the divine desire for abundant life in God’s land.” (Schaser, 2018) Jesus said the same thing when he says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Let’s talk about it.
Where is the overflow in your life right now and how do you see God in it? I look forward to reading your comments below!
Zucchini Veggie Burgers
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Zucchini (Shredded and Post water extraction)
- 1/4 Cup Minced Onion
- 1 Clove Minced Garlic
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Lemon Thyme (1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 Tbsp Flour (Almond, Arrowroot, or whole wheat is fine)
- 1 Tbsp Hemp Seed Hearts (optional its for added nutrients and protein)
- 8 Tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tsp Butter, Ghee, Avocado oil of your choice Seriously, in my Greenpan I don't need more than this amount.
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place your shredded zucchini in a bowl (It really depends on the size of your zucchini. Here in the Midwest when we don't see one, it gets really big overnight. So I used 3 medium sized zucchini for this recipe, see the picture above.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and set it aside for at least 15 minutes to pull the water out of the squash. Once it has set several minutes, grab handfuls and squeeze out the excess water. Place it in a separate bowl.
- Add the remaining chopped vegetables, herbs, spices, hemp seeds, egg, and flour. NOT the sesame seeds.
- Form your patties the size you like as you are heating your skillet on low (3 -4) Once they are formed sprinkle a teaspoon of sesame seeds on each side.
- Put your oil in the skillet and spread it around with a spatula.
- Place your patties on the skillet to sauté until browned on each side, about 4-5 minutes. Flip them over and cook another 4-5 minutes.
- Once they are done, set them aside on a plate. You can serve this as a side dish, or use them for "buns" like I did. I put sauteed mushrooms and onions with a small slice of mozzarella on it and topped it with microgreens, baby spring mix, and tzatziki sauce. Yum!
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy the Zucchini Veggie Burgers as much as I did! The relish recipe is below if you still have extras in the garden and you need some ways to preserve it. There are other recipes on the blog for zucchini so feel free to check them out too!
Zucchini Relish
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini shredded
- 1/2 onion minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 medium Pepper (green, yellow, banana, or jalapeno.. . .your choice).
- 1 ear corn (optional)
- 1 tsp parsley
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Add salt to the shredded zucchini, place in a strainer to drain some of the water.
- Then place the zucchini in a bowl with the minced onion, peppers, spices, vinegar and seasoning.
- Store it in a bowl or jar and store in the fridge. It tastes best when it sits overnight, and it can be stored in the fridge for at least a week.
Nutrition
Enjoy your summer garden, my friend! There is no greater joy than celebrating God’s goodness from the garden with family and friends, knowing Jesus paid the price for our sin and salvation! Talk about land of milk and honey! We are in it, for sure!
Have a great day!
References:
Abdel-Aal el-SM, Akhtar H, Zaheer K, Ali R. Dietary sources of lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids and their role in eye health. Nutrients. 2013 Apr 9;5(4):1169-85. doi: 10.3390/nu5041169. PMID: 23571649; PMCID: PMC3705341.
Regu GM, Kim H, Kim YJ, Paek JE, Lee G, Chang N, Kwon O. Association between Dietary Carotenoid Intake and Bone Mineral Density in Korean Adults Aged 30-75 Years Using Data from the Fourth and Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2008-2011). Nutrients. 2017 Sep 16;9(9):1025. doi: 10.3390/nu9091025. PMID: 28926945; PMCID: PMC5622785.
de Castro NT, de Alencar ER, Zandonadi RP, Han H, Raposo A, Ariza-Montes A, Araya-Castillo L, Botelho RBA. Influence of Cooking Method on the Nutritional Quality of Organic and Conventional Brazilian Vegetables: A Study on Sodium, Potassium, and Carotenoids. Foods. 2021 Jul 31;10(8):1782. doi: 10.3390/foods10081782. PMID: 34441559; PMCID: PMC8391696.
