Zucchini with Chipotle Chilis

Zucchini with Chipotle Chilis offers another, different take on versatile zucchini; here it is paired with chipotle chilis in adobo and other ingredients for wonderful results.  Chipotle chilis in adobo are smoked and dried jalapeños which now have a deep-red brown color; the chilis are rehydrated, mix in a deep red sauce of tangy-sweet puréed tomato, vinegar, garlic, salt and spices and sold in small cans.  While most chipotle chilis in adobo have a tingly-heat, some can be quite hot; they add a tangy, sweet and smoky heat element to dishes, such as Zucchini with Chipotle Chilis.  Easy to prepare and with just eight ingredients, Zucchini with Chipotle Chilis will become a requested side dish, especially with grilled meats, such as Fast and Fabulous Pork Chops.  Leftover Zucchini with Chipotle Chilis can be refrigerated in a covered container for 1 to 2 days; gently reheat and serve alongside eggs prepared in your favorite style for either breakfast or lunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4

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Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs Zucchini
• 3 Tbs finely chopped Red Onion
• 1 Tb minced Garlic
• 3 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 or 3 Chipotle Chilis in Adobo*, chopped to yield 2 Tbs
• 1 Tb Tomato Paste
• ¼ tsp fine Sea Salt
• 1 ½ tsp dried Basil

Preparation:

1. Rinse and trim the ends from the zucchini, cut into ¼-inch thick slices and reserve in a bowl.
2. Finely chop the red onion, mince the garlic and reserve in a second bowl.
3. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide, deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the red onion and garlic to the pan, stir and sauté, uncovered, until golden.
4. Roughly chop the chipotle chilis in adobo and set aside.
5. Add the chopped chipotle chilis with any residual adobo, tomato paste, and sea salt to the sauteed onion and garlic; stir and continue to cook uncovered for 2 minutes.
6. Add the zucchini slices to the pan, stir to mix, sprinkle in the dried basil, stir again, cover and sauté until the zucchini has just softened as they should not become mushy. Keep the Zucchini with Chipotle Chilis covered and warm until ready to serve.

*Note:

• Chipotle chilis in adobo are sold in small cans in the Latino/Hispanic food section of most supermarkets and are also available online.