Zucchini Oatmeal Muffins

These Zucchini Oatmeal Muffins are a delicious and healthy option for lunch or a snack. Made with wholesome ingredients like zucchini, potato, oats, and whole wheat flour, they are nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for a quick meal, these muffins are packed with flavor and easy to make. Their soft texture and savory taste make them an excellent choice for any time of day.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Vegetables:
    • 1 zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)
    • 1/3 teaspoon salt
    • 1 potato, grated (about 1 cup)
  • Muffin Batter:
    • 3 tablespoons oatmeal (about 1/4 cup)
    • 50 ml milk or plant milk (about 1/4 cup)
    • Dill, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
    • Parsley, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
    • 60g cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • 2 eggs
    • 4 tablespoons whole wheat flour (about 1/4 cup)
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Topping:
    • 3-4 tablespoons thick yogurt
    • 1 cucumber, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
    • Dill, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Grate the zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with 1/3 teaspoon salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
    • Grate the potato and squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Mix the Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, grated potato, oatmeal, and milk. Mix well.
    • Add the chopped dill, parsley, grated cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Stir to combine.
    • Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture.
    • Add the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  3. Bake the Muffins:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Grease a muffin tin with vegetable oil or line with muffin liners.
    • Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
    • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Prepare the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, combine the thick yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, chopped dill, and minced garlic.
    • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
  5. Serve:
    • Let the muffins cool slightly before removing them from the tin.
    • Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature with the yogurt topping on the side.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Perfect for a light lunch or snack. Serve with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips:

  • Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini and potato to prevent the muffins from becoming too moist.
  • Add your favorite herbs or spices to the batter for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Packed with vegetables, these muffins are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Whole wheat flour and oats provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Dietary Information:

  • Suitable for vegetarians.
  • Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.

Nutritional Facts (per muffin):

  • Calories: 110
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g

Storage:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Quick and easy to prepare.
  • Nutritious and full of flavor.
  • Perfect for a healthy meal or snack.
  • Versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Conclusion:

These Zucchini Oatmeal Muffins are a tasty and nutritious addition to your meal rotation. Easy to make and full of fresh flavors, they are perfect for any time of day. Enjoy them as a quick lunch, a snack, or a side dish with your favorite soup or salad. If you like this recipe, please let me know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I freeze these muffins?
    • Yes, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or whatever you have on hand.
  3. How can I make these muffins vegan?
    • Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and cheese.
  4. What other vegetables can I add?
    • You can add grated carrots, finely chopped spinach, or bell peppers.
  5. Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?
    • Yes, you can substitute with regular flour if you prefer.
  6. How do I know when the muffins are done?
    • Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are done.
  7. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
    • Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of whole wheat flour.
  8. What can I serve with these muffins?
    • They pair well with a fresh salad, soup, or even as a side dish to a main course.
  9. How can I store the muffins to keep them fresh?
  10. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
    • Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.