- 4 small zucchini (1 lb total)
- 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (1 oz) 1 (6-oz) piece Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Garnish: thinly sliced tips of 2 zucchini blossoms; 4 fresh mint sprigs
- Special equipment: a Japanese Benriner or other adjustable-blade slicer
- Cut zucchini diagonally into paper-thin slices with slicer. Arrange slices, overlapping slightly, in 1 layer on 4 plates.
- Make stacks of mint leaves and cut crosswise into very thin slivers, then sprinkle over zucchini.
- Whisk together oil and lemon juice in a small bowl, then drizzle over zucchini. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper to taste, and pine nuts. Let stand 10 minutes to soften zucchini and allow flavors to develop.
- Just before serving, use a vegetable peeler to shave cheese to taste over zucchini, then sprinkle with zucchini blossoms and mint.