Oven-baked zucchini (by Nadina)

Baked Zucchini: a simple and delicious recipe

Zucchini are versatile vegetables, packed with nutrients and perfect for quick and healthy dishes. This baked zucchini recipe, inspired by Nadina, transforms the zucchini into a tasty dish, easy to prepare and with a pleasant consistency. Whether you want to serve them as a side dish or as a main course, these baked zucchinis will win you over with their aroma and soft yet crispy texture. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 3 medium zucchinis
- 3 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml cream
- 100 g flour
- 20 g butter (for a rich taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 200 g grated mozzarella
- 1 packet (about 10 g) baking powder
- Salt, pepper, and curry (to taste)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Wash the zucchinis well under running water to remove any impurities. You can peel them completely or leave some strips of skin for a more interesting texture and a colorful appearance. Cut the zucchinis into thin slices, about 0.5 cm thick, for even baking. Season the slices with a little salt and let them sit for a few minutes, during which they will release water.

2. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk or fork until homogeneous. Add the melted butter (make sure it’s not hot), milk, cream, and flour. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous mixture, similar to cream. Add the baking powder, curry, and finely chopped dill. Dill is an ingredient that perfectly complements the taste of zucchini and adds a fresh aroma to the dish.

3. Draining the zucchinis: After the zucchinis have sat in salt, you can gently drain them of water using a sieve or kitchen towel. This step is important to avoid the dish being too wet.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Add the zucchini slices to the egg mixture and gently mix to evenly coat them.

5. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish and level it evenly.

6. Garnishing: Grate mozzarella on top of the mixture. The mozzarella will melt beautifully and create a golden, appetizing crust.

7. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 35 minutes, or until the dish turns golden and firm to the touch. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

8. Cooling and serving: After removing the zucchinis from the oven, let them cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This will make cutting easier and allow the flavors to stabilize.

My tip: Serve the zucchinis with a fresh salad or alongside a portion of Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast. You can also add a few slices of lemon for an extra acidity.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use large zucchinis?
While you can use large zucchinis, it is recommended to choose smaller zucchinis as they have a more delicate texture and sweeter taste.

2. What can I use instead of mozzarella?
If you don’t have mozzarella, you can try feta cheese or cheddar, which will add a different but equally delicious flavor.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add grated carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach to diversify the recipe. Just make sure the vegetables are finely chopped for even baking.

Nutritional benefits:

Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable, with only 17 calories per 100 g, but rich in fiber and vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium. Combined with eggs and cream, this dish becomes a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Possible variations:

- Zucchini with cheddar: Instead of mozzarella, use cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Zucchini with herbs: Replace dill with basil or oregano for a different aroma.
- Spicy zucchini: Add chili flakes to the mixture for a bit of spice.

This baked zucchini recipe is not only simple but also full of possibilities. By experimenting with different ingredients and combinations, you can transform a classic dish into a unique delicacy. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I did! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3 small zucchinis, 3 eggs, 100 ml milk, 100 ml cream, 100 g flour, 20 g butter, dill, 200 g mozzarella, 1 pinch of baking powder, salt, pepper, curry

 Tags:  zucchini unt mozzarella