Baked zucchini

Oven-baked zucchini sticks – a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for a light snack or a savory appetizer! This recipe is simple, quick, and offers a less greasy version of the famous breaded zucchini dish, baked in the oven. The zucchinis, with their soft texture and delicate flavor, transform into a crunchy delight, while the dill aroma adds a touch of freshness. Plus, it's a recipe that can be adapted to your preferences!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 3 small zucchinis
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sparkling water
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive or sunflower oil
- White flour – about 200 g

A bit of history

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable, appreciated in many cultures for its easy cooking texture and delicate flavor. The breaded zucchini dish is a classic that has been adapted over time in various versions, using both frying and baking methods. This oven recipe offers the advantage of a healthier dish, with fewer calories and fats, while retaining its characteristic flavor.

Preparing the zucchinis

1. Washing and cleaning the zucchinis
Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. They need to be clean, so peel them if you prefer a finer texture. Then, cut the zucchinis into slices about 1 cm thick or, if you want a more elegant appearance, you can cut them into sticks.

2. Salting the zucchinis
Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and sprinkle a little salt over them. This will help draw out the water from the zucchinis, preventing the final dish from being too wet. Let the zucchinis sit for 10-15 minutes.

Preparing the batter

3. Beating the eggs
In another bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy and slightly aerated. This step is essential for achieving a crispy and delicious crust.

4. Adding sparkling water
Gradually add sparkling water to the egg mixture, stirring continuously. The sparkling water will add fizz and make the batter less dense.

5. Incorporating oil and flour
Add the 3 tablespoons of oil and mix well. Then, gradually add the flour, stirring constantly until you achieve a composition similar to pancake batter but denser. This will help the batter stick to the zucchinis.

6. Preparing the dill
Wash the dill and remove the stems. Chop it finely and incorporate it into the egg and flour mixture. The dill will add a fresh aroma and enhance the flavor of the dish.

Baking the zucchinis

7. Preparing the baking tray
Take a baking tray and grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Then, place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom of the tray. This is a trick that will ensure easy cleaning after cooking.

8. Dipping the zucchinis in the batter
Remove the zucchinis from the bowl where they sat with salt and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dip each zucchini slice into the egg mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.

9. Arranging the zucchinis in the tray
Place the zucchinis in the prepared tray, being careful not to overlap them. If you notice a bit of batter coming off, don't worry – you can trim it off later with a knife.

10. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180-200 degrees Celsius. Bake the zucchinis for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to maintain the internal temperature.

Serving

11. Cooling and plating
After taking them out of the oven, let the zucchinis cool for a few minutes. Then, arrange them on a nice platter. You can garnish them with a few sprigs of fresh dill for a more attractive look.

12. Serving suggestions
Oven-baked zucchini sticks are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki sauce. They also pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a tomato and feta cheese salad.

Useful tips

- Recipe variations: You can try adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the batter for a different flavor. You can also substitute dill with other herbs like oregano or basil.
- Gluten-free alternative: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or coconut flour.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use larger zucchinis?* Larger ones are more watery and may require more draining time.
- *How can I store leftover zucchinis?* They can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Nutritional benefits

Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. It is low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to eat healthily. Additionally, dill brings antioxidants and has digestive properties.

Enjoy this simple recipe for oven-baked zucchini sticks, a perfect combination of textures and flavors! It will surely win you over and become part of your favorite menu. Share with us how it turned out and how you personalized the recipe! Bon appétit!