Flounder Cutlet, Zucchini, Brown Rice

They Like Gagoots!

For years my mom made zucchini w/fresh tomatoes (we called it “gagoots”) and I never liked it.  Tony Soprano used to call his stupid-head son “you big gagoots”.  Hard to believe after 40 years that I am now making the exact same thing.  Not only do I finally LOVE it, but my kids quickly started liking it too!  I guess it’s true, we really do become our parents when we get old.  I can only hope that my kids learn their life lessons as quickly as they learned to like gagootz.

Flounder Cutlet

• Salt and cut fish into several pieces (as desired).  Dip into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.  Use flounder or cod, whatever looks freshest.
• Fry in canola oil (enough to coat the pan well but not submerge fish).
• Flip it as soon as it’s brown.  When the other side browns, immediately put on a baking rack to cool.
• Serve plain or with ketchup or tartar sauce.

Zucchini (Gagoots)

• Heat a little garlic in about 2 TBS of EVOO in a pot.  Add some sliced onion and cook until soft.
• Peel and slice 3-4 zucchini  (about 1/2 inch thick circles).
• Cut 3-4 tomatoes and add with zucchini into the pot.
• Heat on Medium for about 15 minutes or until cooked.

Quick Brown Rice

• I am hooked on this Brown Rice cooked and frozen in a bag from Whole Foods.
• Just heat it up in the Microwave and add a little EVOO or soy sauce for flavor/texture.  Great for a quick starch!

For the Kids:

• Let the kids help crack the eggs and pour the breadcrumbs.
• Let them help with the dipping into the flour, etc.
• FYI:  The dish “Gagoots” is a true italian term for a traditional dish that typically includes zucchini, onions and peppers.