I wanted to cook a healthy and tasty dinner for us, so I searched for a recipe on Inspiralized and found one that sounded pretty delicious. However, since I'm trying to limit my dairy intake, I decided to omit the ricotta and sub some of that vegan chèvre. I also got a little fancy and added some of those sliced local radishes I had bought at Siena Farms. I highly suggest this dish, it was super easy and really flavorful despite having a basic list of ingredients!
Shelby's take on Ali's Zucchini Noodles and Arugula with Bacon, Corn, and Ricotta
Ingredients:
- 4 strips of bacon (I bought fresh plain slices from the butcher at my Whole Foods)
- 3 medium zucchinis, Blade D
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 shallot
- A cup (ish) of frozen corn
- Sliced radishes (Add as much or as little as you'd like, I probably used about a cup chopped)
- The zest from half of a large lemon, plus it's juice
- 1 cup arugula
- EVOO
- s&p
- A tbsp of vegan chèvre (optional)
Preparation:
- Cook the bacon over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until crispy and then transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
- Pour about half of the bacon grease into a heat-proof jar (it can't go right in the trash, and hot oil will ruin a sink disposal) to let cool and then toss (unless you're so creative and can use it for something, gross). Add the garlic, shallot, lemon zest, radishes, a pinch of salt, and some pepper into the remaining grease and let it cook to soften for a bit. Then add the zucchini noodles, arugula, and lemon juice and let all the flavors start to cook together. I'd say let it go for about 3-5 minutes, so that the zucchini becomes softer. I had to add some EVOO, maybe 2tbsp total, because the pan kept getting too dry. I think coconut oil would be a yummy substitute, though!
- You can nuke the corn for a minute in the microwave in a bowl that is covered with a damp paper towel, or certainly steam the frozen corn. I added it in when I added the zucchini to the pan, and it made the meal a little watery. Cooking separately could be a better option. So, if you thaw it in the microwave, add the corn in when you've got a minute left to cook, that way it picks up some flavors and rises to the temperature of the dish.
- After serving, add a tsp-tbsp of the vegan cheese to the dish and mix it in, so the dish has that hint of creaminess. Then break up a slice of bacon over the top...yum, I'm salivating as I write this!
Bon appétit!
xx
S