Tasty Zucchini Grinders

Ingredients List

Marinara Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped

• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon white sugar

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

• salt and pepper to taste

Grinder Sandwich Components:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 medium zucchini, cubed

• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 4 (6 inch) French or Italian sandwich rolls, split

Instructions

1. For the marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat (see Cook's Note). Add garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the tomatoes along with their juices and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and blend until smooth in a food processor or blender.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the zucchini in the butter until lightly browned and tender. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

4. Generously spoon the zucchini mixture into each sandwich roll. Top with about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce per sandwich, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Close the rolls and wrap each one in aluminum foil.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the bread is warm, the rolls are soft, and the cheese is melted.

Note from the Cook:

You can substitute store-bought marinara sauce (about 1 cup) if you'd prefer a quicker option. Using pre-made sauce, these sandwiches can be ready in just 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per sandwich)