Sautéed Zucchini and Corn

This quick and flavorful Sautéed Zucchini and Corn dish brings together crispy bacon, sweet corn, and tender zucchini, perfect for a summer side or year-round treat. With a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat, it’s a dish that everyone will love. The optional additions of Parmesan or extra spice make it easy to tailor to your preferences!

Ingredients:

• 3 slices bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ¾ cup red onion, diced small
• ¾ pound zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)
• 3 ears of corn, kernels cut off (about 1½ cups)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large nonstick skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and the fat is rendered, about 5-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

2. Sauté the Onions and Zucchini:

• Add the butter to the skillet along with the diced red onion. Sauté for 3 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the zucchini and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s crisp-tender.

3. Add the Corn and Garlic:

• Stir in the fresh corn kernels, garlic, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly browned.

4. Finish and Serve:

• Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations:

• Corn Options: Fresh corn is ideal, but when it’s out of season, you can easily use frozen (thawed) or canned (drained) corn.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Swap the zucchini for yellow squash, or use a mix of both for extra color and flavor.
• Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use salted butter instead of unsalted to add a bit more seasoning.
• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle ¼ to ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan over the finished dish for a delicious cheesy element.
• Spice It Up: For a bit more heat, increase the cayenne or add a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.

This sautéed zucchini and corn is an easy, versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, or stands alone as a simple, tasty vegetarian meal!