Have you heard of zoodles? What are zoodles? Here's what you need to know about this tasty low carb alternative to noodles!
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The word "zoodles" is a contraction of "zucchini noodles" - long thin strips of zucchini that resemble pasta noodles. I have tried to find out who first coined the phrase and have not been able to - but zoodle recipes are all over the internet now!
How to Make Zoodles
There are two main ways to make zoodles. A popular way is to use a spiral slicer like a Spiralizer. While I am super tempted by one of these, I just don't have counter space for it. They do so much more than make zucchini ribbons of course - you can make long strands from all kinds of vegetables! Plus I love the fact that one of their selling points is that it is non-electric and therefore "great for emergencies".
In the meantime I use a julienne peeler - a little handheld gadget that is actually quite fun to use! You just scrape it down the zucchini and it forms ribbons. It certainly takes up way less room in my kitchen AND it's also non-electric! 🙂
Update - Back when I wrote this article in 2014, zucchini noodles so popular as they are now. These days, many grocery stores stock them already processed into noodles, which is very convenient!
How to Cook Zoodles
The most popular way to cook zoodles is to sauté them - either dry or in olive oil depending on the texture outcome that you would like. From then on they are the perfect vehicle for sauces, herbs, seasonings and spices. If you're particular about the texture of your zoodles and don't like them too wet, you can dry them before cooking by "sweating" them in the oven.
So what can you make with them? Although you can absolutely enjoy them on their own, here are some recipes for you to try.
How about this Steak with Creamy Chipotle Sauce with Zoodles? Or a Low Carb Pad Thai? And you'd better try this Zucchini Carbonara - it's such an amazing recipe that really highlights zoodles at their best!
You could also make a Zoodle Bake, make Greek-inspired zucchini noodles, or serve them with a delicious avocado sauce!
While I'm on the subject of zucchini dishes, these Low Carb Zucchini Fries that use almond meal for coating sounds amazing. Not really zoodles - but they are SO good! And how about a grilled zucchini lasagna? OK I really am digressing now...
Carbs in Zoodles
One cup of sliced zucchini contains 2.4g net carbs (Source: USDA). Which makes it a very friendly veg to low carb dieters! Zucchini is also high in Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, plus calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and plenty of potassium.
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