Zucchini Scarpaccia

What is Scarpaccia?

Scarpaccia is a traditional Italian dish, specifically from the region of Tuscany. The name "scarpaccia" is derived from the Italian word "scarpa," meaning "shoe," likely due to its flat and thin shape resembling a shoe sole. It's a type of savory cake or tart made primarily from zucchini (courgettes), flour, eggs, olive oil, and sometimes Parmesan cheese.

This Italian zucchini tart is typically baked in a batter until golden brown and crispy on the edges. It's often seasoned with salt, pepper and sometimes herbs like basil or parsley. Scarpaccia can be served warm or at room temperature and is enjoyed as either a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

Grab your zucchini and get slicing! Just a few low carb ingredients are all you need to make this scarpaccia recipe. You can also make your own tweaks too! We did not use any eggs to bind the mixture as we wanted an egg free recipe.

• Zucchini - we used a mix of yellow and green zucchini but just one color zucchini can be used. We wanted a bit of extra color.
• Red onion - this can be omitted to reduce the carbs or replaced with a yellow onion.
• Parmesan Cheese- finely grated cheese helps to bind the mixture. This can be substituted with Mozzarella or Cheddar cheese.
• Almond flour - replaces the traditional wheat flour used in this recipe. Other low carb flours could be substituted. If you want to use coconut flour, you may need to add an egg to the mixture to help bind it.
• Rosemary - any herb can be used but we favored rosemary. Try basil, Italian seasoning or oregano too. Feel free to add onion powder or garlic powder too.

How to Make Zucchini Scarpaccia

The key to making this zucchini recipe is to thinly slice the zucchini, salt them and squeeze excess water out.

Thinly slice zucchini and sprinkle with salt and sit in a large bowl for 5 minutes.

Squeeze the excess water out.

Add the remaining ingredients to the zucchini and sliced onion.

Mix well.

Spread on a parchment lined baking tin or baking dish and press down.

Bake until golden and crispy.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to preheat your oven before baking the scarpaccia. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy crust.

While olive oil is a healthy fat, you can also use keto-friendly fats like melted butter, ghee or avocado oil. These fats add flavor and richness to the scarpaccia while keeping it keto-friendly.

Grate the zucchini in place of thinly slicing it.

Storage

Allow the scarpaccia to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the scarpaccia for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Zucchini scarpaccia can be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire scarpaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped scarpaccia in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen scarpaccia can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat refrigerated or frozen scarpaccia, preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). If frozen, allow the scarpaccia to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed or if reheating from the refrigerator, place the scarpaccia on a baking sheet and warm it in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option, typically around 1-2 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave.

How to Serve Scarpaccia

Scarpaccia can be served in various ways, depending on personal preference and the occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. As a Side Dish: Serve scarpaccia as a side dish alongside main courses such as grilled chicken, fish, or steak. Its savory flavor and light texture complement a wide range of proteins.
2. With a Salad: Pair scarpaccia with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of the crispy, savory scarpaccia and the refreshing salad makes for a satisfying meal.
3. As an Appetizer or Snack: Cut the scarpaccia into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer or snack at parties, gatherings, or as a casual nibble. It's great for sharing and can be enjoyed on its own or with dipping sauces like marinara or aioli.
4. Room Temperature or Warm: Scarpaccia can be served either at room temperature or warm, depending on personal preference. If serving warm, reheat it in the oven before serving to ensure that it's crispy on the edges and heated through.
5. Garnishes: Garnish the scarpaccia with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or chives before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
6. As a Main Course: Enjoy a larger portion of scarpaccia as a light main course, especially during warmer months when you're craving something lighter and vegetable-forward. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
7. With Sauces: Serve scarpaccia with a variety of sauces for dipping or drizzling. Marinara sauce, pesto, tzatziki or even a simple garlic aioli all complement the flavors of the scarpaccia nicely.
8. Picnics or Potlucks: Scarpaccia travels well and is a great addition to picnics, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings. Pack it along with some other easy-to-eat dishes for a delicious and fuss-free meal on the go.

More Low Carb Zucchini Recipes

If you have a surplus of summer zucchini, try these other low carb recipes:

Zucchini Gratin

Zucchini Slice

Zucchini Parmigiana

Baked Zucchini Rings

Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups