Looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to fried zucchini? Look no further! This recipe transforms zucchini slices into crispy-baked delights, drizzled with a cool and creamy dill sauce. Not only is it lower in fat than traditional fried options, but it’s also bursting with flavor and perfect for anyone following a healthy diet.
Ingredients:
For the Baked Zucchini:
- 2 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- Salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 3 tablespoons wheat flour
- Olive oil
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Black pepper
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1 sweet pepper, diced (any color)
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions:
-
Prep the zucchini: Start by preparing the star of the show! Slice your zucchini into even rounds. To remove excess moisture, which can affect crispness, sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.
-
Make the egg batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and wheat flour. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor at this point. This batter will bind the zucchini slices and help them achieve a crispy exterior when baked.
-
Bake the zucchini: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Take each zucchini slice, dip it into the egg batter, ensuring even coating. Carefully place the coated zucchini slices in the preheated skillet and fry them for 1-2 minutes per side. You’re looking for a light golden brown color. Once they have that perfect color, transfer the fried zucchini slices to a baking sheet.
-
Finish baking in the oven: To ensure the zucchini cooks through completely, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the fried zucchini slices on the baking sheet for an additional 10-15 minutes.
-
Prepare the sauce: While the zucchini finishes baking, whip up the creamy dill sauce! In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and black pepper to taste. Stir in the diced tomatoes and diced sweet pepper for a touch of extra texture and sweetness.
-
Serve: Time to enjoy! Arrange the baked zucchini slices on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. Drizzle them generously with your prepared Creamy Dill Sauce and savor the delicious and healthy flavors.
More Information:
- Don’t have wheat flour? You can substitute it with all-purpose flour, almond flour, or another gluten-free flour alternative.
- Want to make it vegan? Use a plant-based yogurt alternative for the sour cream and omit the eggs. You can replace the egg wash with a mixture of aquafaba (the chickpea water from a can of chickpeas) and a little olive oil.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the sauce! Chopped chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of lemon zest would all be delicious additions.
Conclusion:
This Baked Zucchini with Creamy Dill Sauce is a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini in a healthy and flavorful way. It’s easy to make, perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to your preferences. So ditch the fryer, embrace the oven, and enjoy this delicious and healthy recipe!