Fried Zucchini with Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Zucchini has to be one of the most prolific as well as versatile garden vegetable ever grown. Imagine Bubba Blue from Forrest Gump saying that zucchini is the fruit of the earth-you can barbecue it, bake it, broil it, saute it;"deys uh"-zucchini Parmesan, stuffed zucchini, fried zucchini, zucchini soup, zucchini bread-----. You get the message?

After eating the tasteless, over-breaded fried zucchini at some of the large chain restaurants, I had forgotten how wonderful really good fried zucchini could be until I made this recipe. Crisp golden spears of tender zucchini served with a chipotle ranch dressing-unbelievable! With the proper temperature of the oil, frying the zucchini is a breeze, the hot oil sealing off the vegetable so it won't be soggy and full of grease. The combination of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the bread crumbs gives a light crispy outer layer.


Fried Zucchini

1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs from toasted bread
3/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
3 medium zucchini, cut into 3 inch long by 1/2 inch pieces

Put enough oil in a pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 350 degrees F.

Combine Parmesan, bread crumbs and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk eggs in another medium bowl. Begin dipping zucchini in beaten egg-let excess drip back into pan. Coat the zucchini completely in the bread crumb Parmesan mixture. Place on baking pan. Repeat with remaining zucchini.

In hot oil, fry zucchini in batches until golden brown-about 2-3 minutes. Don't crowd in the pan. Remove when browned and drain on paper towel.

Arrange zucchini on plate and serve with Chipotle Ranch Dressing. Recipe follows.


Chipotle Ranch Dressing

2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1/2 to 1 small chipotle en adobe, minced
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 scallion, green and white parts, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest

Mash minced garlic and salt together to make a coarse paste. Scrape into a bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix together for a creamy dressing.

Recipes adapted from Food Network