You must be wondering what Zoodles is. Surprisingly now you can make zucchini noodles, i.e., zoodles all by your self. We all love eating our favorite spaghetti pasta for dinner. But is it a healthy option. I don’t think so as it is too much of carb intake.
I am sure you all are wondering how will this even taste and how will you give up on the spaghetti or penne. But it turns out that Zucchini has very mild flavors and it goes well with all the Italian sauces we love.
As per USDA nutritional database-
- One cup of cooked spaghetti has 200 calories plus 40 gms carbs.
- One cup raw Zoodles (Zucchini) have 20 calories plus five gms carbs.
This means if you consume ten plates of Zoodles, it is equal to one plate of spaghetti. I think this ratio will make you want to shift to Zoodles.
So let’s get started with the healthy and yummy recipe.
Things you need.
- Two large Zucchini’s ( 1-1/2 pounds)
- Two minced garlic cloves
- one teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process
To make a picture-perfect zoodles, all you need is a spiralizer. I recommend Hemsley spiralizer as it is easy to use and wash. There are many other cheaper options available in the market. You can use this tool for other veggies like cucumber, carrot, sweet potato, butternut squash, etc.
Step one- Spilerize the zucchini with the device you have or you can even cut long and thin spirals with your knife. First, trim the ends. If you like the taste of the skin, you can keep it or peel it off with a knife. Now carve the vegetable into noodles.
Place your zucchini in a way that the ends meet the blade. Poke the claw in the opposite end of the vegetable so that it is held steadily. Crank the handle with light pressure. Keep turning until the entire Zucchini is spiralized.
You have the long curly strands of zoodles.
Tip: If the Zucchini is crooked, cut in half and then spiralize it. This will make spiralizing far easier.
If you don’t have spiralizer, here is what you can do?
Use a vegetable peeler- Peel Zucchini with light pressure you will get fettuccine like slices.
Use a knife- Carve strips of zucchini until you reach the core. These Zoodles will be more rustic and thick.
Use a grater- With a grater you will get small rice like zucchini.
Tip- You need to avoid the soft middle core as it can make your noodles mushy.
Step 2: Saute the noodles- Keep a non-stick pan over medium heat add one teaspoon oil to it. Add minced garlic to the oil for some flavor and throw in your zoodles. Cook for just two mins. Make sure the zucchini is not fully cooked to preserve the fresh, crunchy texture. Toss them with a pair of tongs. Sparkle some salt in the end.
Time to prepare the yummy pasta sauce. The pasta sauce will add tasty flavors to the zoodles. You can choose any of your favorite sauce. My personal favorite is the pesto.
Tomato and seafood of your choice- Add the tomato sauce recipe with the seafood you like the most. This will be a light full of protein dish.
Pesto- Go for the homemade pesto sauce add grilled chicken and lots of parmesan for the perfect taste. For all our vegan buddies you can add Tofu or Cottage cheese too the dish for protein and flavor you are looking for.
Beefy stir- Add the healthy zoodles at the end to your Beefy stir for a hearty indulgence.
Conclusion- Enjoy the healthy and delicious recipe. Indulge in your favorite Italian dishes without any carb intake. Try the recipe and let us know in the comment section below about your experience making it. Enjoy healthy dinners with your family.
