Zucchini "Fettuccine" with Lamb Burgers
Let's pretend, to noodle this recipe a bit, that this is a full-on Mediterranean preparation, for red wines from that region would well accompany it. By and large, the reds of Italy, Spain and southern France sport a bit more acidity and more cleansing tannins than their New World offspring, perfect for taming the oils from the olive and citrus and the fats from meat and dairy in this recipe. Plus, with all their vowels, they sound cool with the word "zucchini."
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 4 lamb burger patties
• salt & pepper
• 4 zucchini, sliced lengthwise thinly
• olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp grated lemon zest
• herbed crème fraîche
HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:
Makes: 4 servings
[1] Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. [2] Season 4 lamb burger patties with salt and pepper. Cook to desired doneness. [3] Meanwhile, slice 4 zucchini lengthwise into paper-thin strips with a vegetable peeler or mandolin. [4] Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; stir in 2 cloves minced garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add zucchini strips; season with salt. Cook, stirring gently, until zucchini begins to color. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest. [5] Serve, topped with burgers; garnish with crème fraîche mixed with fresh herbs.
And the wines
2014 Domaine Saint-Sernin Malbec de Silice | Southwestern France
This hearty red exemplifies Malbec's great characteristics, at the hands of a first-rate winemaker: opaque hue; abundant but caressing tannins; waves of beautiful herb-flecked aroma; and a long, sweeping finish.
2017 Elena Walch Schiava | Sudtirol/Alto-Adige, Italy
What's best about the Schiava grape is how it packs in so much black-red fruit flavor, such oomph in aroma, and so tingly an amount of acidity for so little money.
2015 Covila II Rioja Crianza | Rioja, Spain
Rioja Crianza is known for its aromatic, silky, juicy-fruit style; there isn't a lick of sugar in this red, but your tongue will begin salivating after a chin-dripping sip of it.