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Colorful Vegetable Sauté

This vegetable sauté highlights the art of uniform chopping for even cooking and flavor. Main ingredients like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and garlic are gently cooked until tender, creating a vibrant, fragrant dish with a slightly smoky finish. The final texture is crisp-tender with caramelized edges, perfect for serving as a side or light main.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality, for sautéing
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 red bell peppers thin strips, any color
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice freshly squeezed, added at the end
  • optional fresh herbs chopped parsley or thyme, for garnish

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan

Method
 

  1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil until it shimmers gently, filling the kitchen with a fragrant aroma.
  2. Add the sliced onion to the hot oil, stirring frequently. Cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes, listening for a gentle sizzle and watching the edges soften.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly nutty—be careful to avoid burning it, which can turn bitter.
  4. Next, add the bell pepper strips, stirring well. Cook until they start to soften and develop a slight char on the edges, about 4-5 minutes, filling the air with a sweet, smoky scent.
  5. Gently add the zucchini slices, stirring to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender yet still has a slight bite, with some caramelized spots forming.
  6. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to evenly distribute the seasoning.
  7. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the vegetables, stirring once more to brighten the flavors and add a fresh note.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if desired. Let the dish rest for a minute to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Serve the colorful vegetable sauté immediately, enjoying the vibrant textures and fragrant aroma that make this simple dish special.

Notes

Use vegetables of similar size for even cooking. Adjust seasoning and lemon to taste. For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh herbs just before serving.