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Crispy Zucchini Wedges with Walnut Pesto

Recipe by Padma Priya

These crispy zucchini wedges are coated in golden polenta and baked, not fried, then served with a creamy homemade walnut pesto. They are vegan, naturally gluten-free, and so crunchy you will not believe they came out of the oven.

  • Total Time50 min
  • Yield3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the zucchini wedges
  • 1 large zucchini (or 2 small ones)
  • 1/2 cup polenta (cornmeal)
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
For the walnut pesto
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • A handful of fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 to 3 tbsp plant milk, for a creamier pesto

Instructions

Make the zucchini wedges

  • Cut the zucchini into thin wedges. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This pulls out the extra water and helps the wedges crisp up.
  • In a bowl, mix the polenta, nutritional yeast, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Once the zucchini has released its water, drain it well. Add the polenta mix and toss until every wedge is coated.
  • Spread the wedges on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and crisp. Use the oven fan if you have one.

Make the walnut pesto

  • Add all the pesto ingredients to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
  • Pour in a little plant milk if you want it creamier. Serve the pesto next to the warm zucchini wedges and enjoy.

Notes

The secret to crispy wedges is salting the zucchini first and letting it drain. Do not skip that step. Nutrition is an estimate calculated from USDA FoodData Central values and will vary with brands and portion sizes.

  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 31 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://gratefullyvegan.com/crispy-zucchini-wedges/