In Memory: A Red Cat Zucchini Saute

This is an odd post.
It's a 4 for one.

A cooking injury.
A dedication for my beloved cat, to whom we said goodbye to this week.
A restaurant/cookbook review.
And of course, a recipe.

This blog is my therapy, so just go with the flow.



This was the most popular recipe on food blogs in 2008.

How could something SO SIMPLE be SO GOOD?

The recipe is from The Red Cat Restaurant, a Chelsea neighborhood institution in NYC. I have always loved this side dish that they serve.

The recipe is in their cookbook, The Red Cat Cookbook, so you can make it at home.



The combination of the sliced almonds and zucchini is just that satisfying and delicious.
If you can't use good Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, then skip the cheese all together.

Zucchini & Almond Saute: recipe from The Red Cat Restaurant

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons thinly sliced almonds
1 to 2 small zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch matchsticks with a knife or julienne blade on a mandoline
salt and freshly ground pepper
a few slices of Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (sliced w/ a vegetable peeler)

First let me start out by asking, "why don't kitchen gadgets come with warning labels for dopes like me?".

Fancy pants bought a cool peeler or stripper, perfect for little vegetable matchsticks.

I am super careful with my mandoline, as to not cut off any fingers, but no one warned me about this thing!



OUCH! #*%@!
I peeled the side of my hand right off!

That did not stop the show from going on.
I will be more careful next time.

On with the recipe.........

In a heavy large skillet, heat your olive oil and add your sliced almonds.
Cook about a minute.



Now throw in your zucchini sticks (you should have about 2.5 cups).
Sprinkle w/ a liberal amount of salt and pepper and cook only 30 seconds.

Saute the zucchini only another 30 seconds. Once the moisture starts to release from the zucchini, the dish is done. I didn't believe how quickly this cooks, but it does.



Place in a serving dish and place shaved pieces of Pecorino Romano on top.
Serve immediately.



In Memory of Shasta the Cat. 1989-2009
Our beloved friend & pet for 20 years.