I didn’t cook much in college. I had a few basic recipes my mom had sent me off with - family favorites of mine - but I just didn’t have the interest or inclination to get in the kitchen. That came later (and I made up for lost time!) One of the few things I did make in college was zucchini. It was cheap, it was easy and it was healthy. I would slice it, add it to a pan with some water, flip it over at some point and just wait until it seemed tender. I didn’t even use oil. Just some salt and pepper at the end. I can’t remember what on earth I ate with the zucchini, but I have specific memories of frequently cooking it in our apartment. Very plain, very boring zucchini. No wonder I didn’t cook more often! And at the time, I never could have fathomed that I’d be making zucchini for my baby girl in the years to come. With a little squash and thyme for good measure. Cause I learned a few things along the way. This zucchini and squash sauté is super simple. We sauté a little chopped onion in olive oil, then add in the sliced zucchini and yellow summer squash, season it with salt, pepper and fresh thyme and let it cook until just tender. It’s quick and easy and it just tastes like the best of summertime. It’s especially great when I’m up to my ears in squash and zucchini, either from my garden or the farmer’s market. Oh, and if you don’t have any fresh thyme, no worries. You can substitute dried thyme in place of the fresh thyme. Use about ¾ to 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and add it when you season the zucchini and squash with salt and pepper. Easy, easy. Plus, I can make this year round! I love a go-to side dish like that. It’s really versatile, too. You can serve zucchini and squash sauté with anything from the grill or just some baked chicken thighs or cheesy baked chicken breasts. I love having some simple sides that can go with just about any main dish! Bonus points, too, that it’s really light and healthy! AND it’s ready in just 15 minutes. If I could, I’d go back and tell my college self to tweak the zucchini-in-water idea to take this veggie side to the next level, with so little effort. Live and learn, right? Enjoy! XO, Kathryn You can substitute dried thyme instead of using fresh thyme. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and add it when you season the zucchini and squash with salt and pepper.
