Sweet and Spicy Zucchini

Name: Sweet and Spicy Zucchini
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. Calabrian chile paste; 1 Tbsp. preserved lemon paste or finely chopped preserved lemon; 2 tsp. pure maple syrup; 5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1½ lb. slender zucchini (about 3 medium), ends trimmed, cut into ¾"-thick rounds; Kosher salt; Mixed tender herb leaves with tender stems (such as parsley and/or basil; for serving)

By Samin Nosrat

September 15, 2025

A bowl of zucchini in a vibrant red sauce dressed with herbs.

Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness

Samin Nosrat devotes a whole chapter of her book Good Things to homemade condiments, components, and toppings. Things like pickled chiles and preserved lemon paste, which require an investment of time on the front end but make day-to-day cooking easier, more delicious, and distinctive. “You’re giving your future self a gift,” she says. These flavor-packed elements show up in recipes throughout the book, and Nosrat hopes that readers will “start to see the pattern of how I incorporate these ingredients, and feel more liberated to make choices for themselves.” We’ve adapted her zucchini recipe to incorporate store-bought preserved lemons and Calabrian chile paste, but the recipes for the homemade versions you’ll find in Good Things are reason alone to buy the book.

Recipe information

Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. Calabrian chile paste

1 Tbsp. preserved lemon paste or finely chopped preserved lemon

2 tsp. pure maple syrup

5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1½ lb. slender zucchini (about 3 medium), ends trimmed, cut into ¾"-thick rounds

Kosher salt

Mixed tender herb leaves with tender stems (such as parsley and/or basil; for serving)

Preparation

Step 1
Whisk 1 Tbsp. Calabrian chile paste, 1 Tbsp. preserved lemon paste or finely chopped preserved lemon, 2 tsp. pure maple syrup, and 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a medium bowl to combine. Set dressing aside.
Step 2
Pour remaining 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil into a large cast-iron skillet. Working in 2 batches if needed, arrange 1½ lb. slender zucchini (about 3 medium), ends trimmed, cut into ¾"-thick rounds, cut sides down, in a single layer in skillet. Place over medium-high heat and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown underneath, 7–9 minutes (be careful as oil will spatter). Turn and cook until golden brown on other side, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl with reserved dressing and toss to coat; season with kosher salt. Arrange on a platter; top with mixed tender herb leaves with tender stems (such as parsley and/or basil).