Basic Zucchini Spaghetti

Making spaghetti from zucchini requires one of these gadgets:

–A mandolin, which allows you to julienne vegetables, costs between $30 and $250

–A Paderno World Cuisine Spiral Vegetable slicer from Amazon.com for $36-$41. It makes long strands of noodles and is easy to clean.

Ingredients

• Long, straight zucchini, preferably organic (1 per person for a side dish; 2 as a main)
• Olive oil or mild coconut oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Basil, oregano, garlic and/or other favorite herbs (or sauce e.g. Hippocrates dressing)

Instructions

1. Wash and dry zucchini. Leave unpeeled for additional color and nutrition.
2. Choose the cutting blade for the spiralizer you wish to use. Fit zucchini on the slicer, and turn as strands of “pasta” are made.  Remove middle unused portion and end, before putting in next zucchini.
3. In a skillet, heat some mild coconut oil or olive oil and add the zucchini strands. You may want to cut them once or twice before cooking to make them easier to serve.  Sauté until strands are slightly softened but not limp. Season with salt and pepper
4. Add sauce or sprinkle on a ¼ teaspoon of your favorite herbs. Toss and serve immediately.  You can also use Hippocrates dressing.