Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
• 2-4 tablespoons olive oil or 1/4- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3-4 cups chopped broccoli, cherry tomatoes, green beans, asparagus, snow peas, chopped bok choy, carrots, cauliflower, red pepper, and/or mushrooms (Get creative here and add veggies that you like or have on hand.)
• 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• One small can well-drained water chestnuts (optional)
• 1/4- 1/2 cup Tamari organic low-sodium soy sauce (you can use another brand, but this one is so tasty)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
• 3 medium to large zucchini (for “noodles”)
• 1 finely sliced green onion and avocado to top for garnish
Note: for gluten free option, use Bragg’s liquid aminos or use a gluten free Tamari sauce . You can also do this with a tomato sauce like a “pasta” dish.
TO PREPARE:
In large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until just shimmering. If you choose not to use oil, add in approx. ¼ cup of vegetable broth. Add garlic and red onion and cook 3-5 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Add mixed veggies and cook over medium heat another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a little more oil (or broth) if needed and a few splashes of soy sauce. (Make sure to not “burn” or brown the veggies, you want them to stay a little crisp.)
Begin to move and mix the vegetables adding in a few more splashes of broth if needed. Continue cooking another 5 minutes stirring gently. Add in the remaining ginger. Squeeze the lemon or lime over all ingredients. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
(TIP: Be aware that the soy sauce can be salty, so taste before adding the salt.)
FOR ZUCCHINI NOODLES:
Using a mandolin slicer with a julienne blade or a Spiralizer for spaghetti-like noodles. Slice zucchini lengthwise into “Zoodles.” OR use a knife to cut it lengthwise into thin noodle-like strips. Steam or sauté until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Take care not to overcook as these “noodles” give off a lot of liquid afterward. Drain gently.
These noodles are great as a substitute for pasta, raw in salads or other recipes. Serve stir-fry over a bed of zucchini noodles and sprinkle with green onions. I even enjoy this cold the next day with added leftover veggies, tofu, tempeh etc.