Light and crispy fried zucchini is one of our favorite Italian appetizers to order out. Deep-frying them at home? Not so much ...

1½ pounds zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds 1¼ cups extra-virgin olive oil 1 shallot, finely diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound dried casarecce or spaghetti 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ...

Slice eggplant and zucchini into thin rounds ... Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried vegetables to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and smoked-fish ...