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Rustic Vegetable Sauté

This vegetable sauté celebrates the beauty of rustic, imperfect cuts—thick slices and uneven edges—that develop char and caramelization for rich, smoky flavors. It involves quick sautéing of a colorful medley of vegetables in hot oil, creating a vibrant, fragrant dish with tender yet slightly crispy textures. The final appearance is a vibrant, slightly charred mixture with caramelized edges and a fresh, aromatic finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homestyle
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil robust extra virgin preferred
  • 1 red onion sliced into irregular wedges
  • 2 bell peppers bell peppers a mix of colors, sliced thickly
  • 1 zucchini zucchini sliced into thick half-moons
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens the dish
  • a handful fresh herbs chopped basil or parsley

Equipment

  • Wide skillet
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then pour in the olive oil, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, creating a fragrant aroma that signals flavor development.
  3. Next, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, spreading them out evenly. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly and develop some charred spots on the edges.
  4. Add the thickly sliced zucchini to the pan and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even cooking. The zucchini should become tender yet still have some bite, with a bit of caramelization on the edges.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then squeeze in the lemon juice, tossing everything together to brighten the flavors and deglaze the pan slightly.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle over chopped fresh herbs. Toss to combine, letting the herbs release their fragrance and flavor into the dish.
  7. Transfer the vegetable sauté to a serving bowl or plate, enjoying the vibrant colors, smoky char, and fragrant aroma of this rustic dish.

Notes

Feel free to mix and match vegetables or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Rustic cuts and charred edges give this dish its charming, homey character.