Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini

By bakers_delight85

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. minced and crushed garlic
• 4 small zucchini and/or summer squash (slender ones, about 6 inches long), halved lengthwise
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 to 2 Tbsp. fine bread crumbs (optional)
• 2 to 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the broiler.
Place a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. After about a minute, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Turn down the heat, add the garlic, and saute over medium-low heat for just a minute or two, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
Place the zucchini halves facedown in the garlic butter and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Saute over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the zucchini are just slightly tender when poked gently with a fork.
Turn the zucchini over and sprinkle generously, first with bread crumbs, if desired, and then with Parmesan. You can also combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle them on together as a single mixture, if you like. (Note: Don't worry if this topping spills into the pan. It will melt into additional, delicious crust.) Cook for just a minute or two more, then transfer the skillet to the broiler.
Broil for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve hot, and don't forget to scrape up the spilled, now-crispy Parmesan from the bottom of the pan.