Caramelized Onion and Zucchini Vegetable Pucks
Golden, crispy vegetable pucks made with slow-cooked onions and zucchini, bound with almond flour for a satisfying plant-based side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free, dairy-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium Zucchini, medium Yellow onion, Almond flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium Zucchini
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 1/4 cup Almond flour
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Transfer caramelized onions to a bowl and let cool slightly. Add 2 medium grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out), 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped thyme. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Form mixture into 4 small patties (about 1/2 inch thick) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Onion and Zucchini Vegetable Pucks take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Onion and Zucchini Vegetable Pucks?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Onion and Zucchini Vegetable Pucks?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Onion and Zucchini Vegetable Pucks for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Caramelized Onion and Zucchini Vegetable Pucks gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids actually asked for seconds—such a creative way to sneak veggies into their meal!
- ★★★★★
These vegetable pucks were a hit at my family dinner! The caramelized onions added such a lovely depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the Mediterranean twist, though the zucchini was slightly too moist for my taste—maybe drain it more.
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