WHAT’S IN IT
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 T Nutritional yeast
2 t raw sesame seeds
2 small zucchini squash
6 basil leaves
6 mint leaves
2 T vegan butter
2 T extra virgin olive oil
HOW TO MAKE IT
1. Prepare the vegan parmesan by mixing the pine nuts, nutritional yeast and sesame seeds in a food processor. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Wash and chop basil and mint. Set aside.
3. Cut the ends off the zucchini and halve lengthwise. Cut enough skin off the other side so the zucchini will lay flat,
4. Heat a skillet (cast iron if you have one) over medium heat for two minutes. Add 2 T olive oil and when it simmers, sea salt the zucchini and place salted side down in the oil.
5. Cook for 3 minutes and flip for 3 more minutes. Remove from the pan and place on a serving plate. Repeat until all the zucchini is cooked (if you are using a medium skillet it will be two batches)
6. While the second batch cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 t of freshly ground black pepper. Let the pepper heat for a minute.
7. Add 2 T vegan butter and stir until the butter melts. Add 2 T of the “parmesan” and stir to mix well. Remove from heat.
8. Spoon over the seared zucchini and sprinkle with the herbs.
WHY IT’S HEALTHY
The “parmesan” is super healthy for starters! Pine nuts have lutein and zeaxanthin - carotenoids with antioxidant properties. Of the hundreds of carotenoids only lutein and zeaxanthin find their way into the macula of our eyes. In sufficient amounts, they can protect against macular degeneration and glaucoma. Pine nuts are also a great source of magnesium, crucial for hundreds of processes within the body. Sesame seeds contain substances shown to lower cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure, increase vitamin E supplies, and protect the liver from oxidative damage. Zucchini is low in calories, carbs and sugars; and is high in potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. One zucchini provides half the recommended daily amount of vitamin C. Some of the flavonoids in basil have been found to protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage. Basil is also a fantastic source of vitamin K, necessary for building bone strength. For women who have passed through menopause and have started to experience unwanted bone loss, vitamin K has clearly been shown to help prevent fractures.