Versatile, mild flavored, and packed with nutrients - zucchini can be made into a wide variety of delicious and healthy dishes.
First of all, here's an interesting fact that you probably didn't know - zucchini, although consumed as a vegetable, is actually a fruit. And it belongs to the same family as winter squash, watermelon, pumpkin, and cucumber. Now let's come to what matters the most for us. Well, packed with nature's goodness, this fruit/vegetable is an excellent choice for people looking for healthy meals. If consumed regularly, it may help combat inflammation, regulate blood sugar levels, aid in digestion, enhance eyesight, and support weight management among others. But beyond all that, it's zucchini's mild (yet delightful) flavors and versatility that make it one of the most sought-after food options out there.
Zucchini has its origins in the Americas, particularly Mesoamerica. But the current form that's consumed worldwide is believed to have been developed in Italy. And for quite some time now, it has found its way into Indian kitchens as well.
Did you know zucchini is 95% water? It also has antioxidants, including two that are good for your eyes. https://t.co/3pi0gpxgbQ pic.twitter.com/UwIkrRKT1C
— WebMD (@WebMD) March 7, 2018
(Credit: WebMD)
In this article, let's learn the recipes of some fusion zucchini recipes that may provide your taste buds with something new.
The creaminess of Italian lasagna combined with the goodness of paneer and the flavors of Indian spices - zucchini paneer lasagna is a treat for foodies.
Ingredients: To prepare the dish, you need 1 cup sliced zucchini, 250 grams crumbled paneer, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 1 cup chopped tomatoes, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup cheese, 1 teaspoon ghee, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 2 teaspoons butter, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup grated mozzarella.
Method: First, heat ghee in a saucepan over medium flame, and add the onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add tomatoes and then turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for a few minutes.
Once the mixture turns soft, add the paneer and stir for a few minutes. Then turn off the heat and put it in a separate bowl.
Now, in another pan, melt the butter and then add the all-purpose flour and then milk. Stir continuously to create a smooth sauce. Add salt as required.
Once it gets the required consistency, add the cheese and stir until melted.
Now, in a baking pot, spread the white sauce as the base and then layer the sliced zucchini all over it.
Now, spread the paneer filling over it, and then again add a layer of white sauce. Top it with some cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the dish for about half an hour until its top portion turns golden and bubbling.
And voila! Serve it fresh to your friends and family.
Zucchini risotto is a classic Italian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. But you can give it a twist by adding Indian spices, elevating its appeal to a whole new level. While the original recipes are typically non-veg, we are sharing a veg option that may suit every kind of taste buds.
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice (if not available, go for loto rice and paella rice), 1 cup diced zucchini, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 1/2 cup tomato puree, 1 cup vegetable stock, 1/2 cup cheese, 1 teaspoon butter, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 2 teaspoons ghee, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/3 cup toasted nuts.
Method: Heat 1 teaspoon of ghee in a pan over medium flame, and add a bit of salt and cumin seeds.
Add the onions and stir until they turn golden brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and stir again.
Pour the tomato puree and mix everything together. Thereafter, add turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder.
After cooking the mixture for a few minutes, add the rice to it and mix properly.
Add the vegetable stock, mix, and let the rice absorb it completely. Cover it, and stir occasionally for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat another teaspoon of ghee in another pan, and add the diced zucchini. Sauté until they turn golden.
Now, when the rice gets a creamy texture, add this sautéed zucchini to it and stir. Add cheese and mix well.
Feel free to add salt, black pepper, and other spices as per taste.
Add some toasted nuts on top and serve fresh.
So, you can go as creative as you want and make a variety of zucchini dishes. Besides the above-mentioned ones, you can also go for zucchini pasta (Indian style), zucchini butter masala, zucchini salad, etc.
