Braised Zucchini Wheels with Sesame-Mint Pesto

Braised Zucchini Wheels with Sesame-Mint Pesto
Vegan; Serves 4; 30 minutes or fewer

I made these for a potluck, when I lived in San Antonio. Everyone was impressed at the presentation of these little yummy wheels. I ended up making more (almost tripling the recipe), so my time was longer then 30 minutes...

Braising—simmering ingredients in a small amount of water in a shallow pan—keeps zucchini's texture firm but tender, rather than turning the vegetable into mush. This technique also works well with a prepared pesto if you're short on time.

1/3 cup breadcrumbs (I did half plain and half Italian seasoned)
1/3 cup whole almonds
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 Tbs. fresh mint leaves
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. sesame seeds
4 medium zucchini (2 lb.), cut into 5 wheels each

1. Pulse breadcrumbs, almonds, garlic, mint, lemon juice, and lemon zest in blender or food processor until coarsely chopped. Add oil and sesame seeds, and pulse several times to make chunky pesto.

2. Score an X in each zucchini wheel to within 1/2 inch of bottom, making sure not to cut through. Gently pry each wheel open, and stuff with 1 heaping tsp. pesto. Place zucchini wheels snugly in single layer, stuffing-side up, in medium saucepan. Add 1 cup water, cover pan, and bring to simmer over medium heat. Cook 20 minutes, or until zucchini are tender. Serve hot, with cooking liquid drizzled over top.

Found: Vegetarian Times July 2009

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