Zucchini Spears with Rosemary, Garlic and Lemon
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, smashed and skinned
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 small zucchini (about 6 ounces each), quartered lengthwise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Put the oil, garlic and rosemary in a high-sided medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is deep golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer the garlic and rosemary to a serving platter; set aside.
Raise the heat to medium-high. Sprinkle the zucchini with salt and pepper. When the oil is very hot but not quite smoking, add the zucchini, cut side down. (Be careful: The cut zucchini starts to release water as soon as you salt it, so it might spit a bit in the skillet.) Cook, undisturbed, until the bottom side is deep golden brown, about 2 minutes. Carefully turn to the other cut side and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Now turn the zucchini onto the skin sides, turn off the heat, cover and let sit until very tender (the tip of a paring knife inserted into the zucchini should meet no resistance), 2 to 4 minutes.
Sprinkle the lemon juice and most of the zest over the zucchini, return the garlic and rosemary to the skillet and use a rubber spatula or tongs to gently turn the zucchini a few times to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the zucchini to the platter and pour the pan juices on top. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.
