Before you know your garden, as well as your neighbors, will be exploding with zucchini. We all wait with anticipation for zucchini season to start and end, once we get tired of finding ways to use it. It requires a lot of creativity but zucchini is really one of the most versatile veggies out there.
This recipe not only finds a great use for this abundant vegetable, but is also a great option for our vegetarian guests. You can still have your meat laden barbecue and serve this too. Even the non-vegetarian’s are going to love this idea. Not everyone adores hot dogs anyway.
Slice your zucchini lengthwise. You’ll want your zucchini to be a little longer than your hot dogs buns.
Slightly brown and soften your sliced onions in vegetable oil, this will take about 10 minutes. Make sure you do this on low heat to keep from burning.
In order to compensate for the texture of the hot dog, since zucchini is softer, make sure to brush olive oil on your hot dog buns and toast them until crunchy.
Enjoy!
Zucchini-Marinara Dogs
Ingredients
- 4-5 zucchini, sliced lengthwise in 4-6 pieces
- vegetable oil
- 1/2 of a large onion, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 4 large good quality hot dog buns
- olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Italian blend cheese
- salt and pepper
- chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Wash and dry zucchini. Slice it lengthwise into 4-6 pieces, depending on the thickness of each piece. You'll want zucchini that is longer than your hot dog buns.
- Heat skillet on low with vegetable oil until hot. Add zucchini strips and cook on all sides until softened (but not mushy); about 2-3 minutes total. Remove and place on a plate, season well with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, in a separate skillet on low heat with a vegetable oil, saute onion slices until softened and slightly browned; about 10 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Heat marinara in a small saucepan until hot.
- Brush olive oil on hot dogs buns and toast them in the oven until crunchy (use a toaster oven or regular oven set to 375 degrees F).
- Build each hot dog by adding some marinara to the bun and then 4-5 slices of cooked zucchini. Top with more marinara, onions and cheese. Garnish with parsley.
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