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Buy Now →When it comes to creating a hearty and flavorful meal, Turkish cuisine never disappoints. Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Turkish Zucchini Stew, a vibrant dish that’s both nutritious and packed with Mediterranean flavors. This stew combines fresh zucchini, aromatic onions, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, making it a perfect option for a cozy dinner or a healthy lunch. The addition of tomato paste adds a rich depth of flavor, while the optional Dolmalık Antep peppers bring a unique twist. Garnished with fresh parsley, this stew is not only visually appealing but also bursting with taste. Let’s explore how to prepare this delightful dish in your own kitchen.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- 1 kg fresh zucchini, small and selected
- Dolmalık Antep peppers (optional, for added flavor)
- A handful of chopped parsley
- 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Start by finely chopping 2 onions for the dish.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add 1.5 tablespoons of tomato paste to the onions and mix well.
- Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Stir the mixture until the tomato paste is well incorporated with the onions and spices.
- Now, it’s time to add the sliced zucchinis. Use a tool or knife to slice the zucchinis into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- Add the sliced zucchinis to the pan and mix them with the onion and spice mixture.
- Optionally, you can add chopped Dolmalık Antep peppers for extra flavor and a hint of spiciness.
- Let the zucchinis cook with the tomato paste and spices for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the zucchinis are cooking, prepare your garlic cloves. You can slice them thinly or leave them whole for a more subtle garlic flavor.
- After the zucchinis have cooked slightly with the tomato paste mixture, add the garlic cloves on top of the zucchinis.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the stew simmer gently for about 30-45 minutes. Check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After about 20 minutes of simmering, check the consistency of the stew. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit of hot water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Once the zucchini is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully, your zucchini stew is ready to be served.
- Garnish the stew with a handful of chopped parsley for freshness and a pop of color.
- Serve the zucchini stew hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, bulgur pilaf, or crusty bread.
- Enjoy your delicious zucchini stew, and bon appétit!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this stew with a side of rice or bulgur pilaf to soak up the delicious juices.
- Crusty bread makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the stew.
- Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips:
- To ensure even cooking, slice the zucchinis into uniform pieces.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add more garlic for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Zucchini is low in calories and high in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
- This dish is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.
Dietary Information:
- This stew is vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting or substituting the cheese.
- It is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- The recipe is also low-carb, perfect for those following a low-carb diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Turkish Zucchini Stew is a delightful blend of tender zucchinis, aromatic onions, and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes. The tomato paste adds a rich depth of flavor, while the optional Dolmalık Antep peppers bring a unique twist. Garnished with fresh parsley, this stew is not only visually appealing but also bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a healthy lunch, this stew is versatile and easy to make. Serve it with rice, bulgur pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this Turkish Zucchini Stew is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and hearty texture