Grilled Zucchini "Sepia"
Ingredients you'll need
For the "Sepia":
- 2 zucchini (preferred) OR 1 eggplant
For the Marinade:
- Apple cider vinegar (1 bottle should be enough)
- Fresh or dried dill
- Salt to taste
For the Topping:
- Sea fennel (or regular fennel fronds)
- Fresh parsley
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Optional: capers
Let's get cookin'
- Peel the zucchini (or eggplant) and cut into thick rings resembling calamari (about 1-2 cm thick).
- In a large container, combine all the marinade ingredients: apple cider vinegar, dill, and salt. Heat the marinade mixture on the stove until warm (don't boil). Add the zucchini/eggplant rings to the warm marinade.
- Let marinate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight in the fridge for more intense flavor).
- Remove the vegetables from the marinade and pat dry.
- Heat a grill pan or regular pan over medium-high heat. Quickly grill or pan-fry the marinated rings until they have nice char marks on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- For the topping: Finely chop the sea fennel, parsley, and garlic. Arrange the grilled "sepia" on a serving plate. Sprinkle with the chopped herbs and garlic. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Serve immediately as a tapa or appeti
Plant-based take on a seafood classic
Discover this stunning vegan calamari recipe that transforms simple zucchini into a convincing seafood alternative! These plant-based sepia are marinated in a tangy dill and apple cider vinegar brine that infuses them with authentic oceanic flavors, then quickly grilled for that perfect char. The result is a vegan seafood appetizer that's tender, flavorful, and remarkably similar to the real thing.
The secret to this grilled zucchini calamari lies in the marinade - the combination of vinegar, dill, and salt creates a briny flavor reminiscent of the sea, while the quick grilling adds texture and depth. Topped with fresh sea fennel (a coastal herb that grows near the ocean), garlic, parsley, and quality olive oil, this dish delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors without any fish.
Perfect for vegan tapas, summer barbecues, or as an impressive appetizer, these marinated zucchini chunks are ready in just 15 minutes of active prep time (plus marinating). The plant-based seafood alternative is not only delicious but also sustainable and accessible. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to eat more plants, this Mediterranean vegan recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite!
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