Breaded zucchini with tzatziki sauce

Breaded Zucchini with Tzatziki Sauce - A Crispy and Refreshing Delicacy

If you're looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that brings a touch of sunshine to your plate, breaded zucchini with tzatziki sauce is the perfect choice. This irresistible combination of crispy zucchini and a refreshing sauce will delight your senses and bring joy to the table. I invite you to discover each step of preparing this tasty recipe!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients

For the breaded zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis (make sure they don't have developed seeds)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup (about 250 ml) of milk
- Flour (about 150 g, as needed to achieve the desired batter)
- Oil (for frying)
- Salt (to taste)

For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 long cucumber
- 150 g of full-fat yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamy consistency)
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- A few sprigs of fresh dill
- Salt (to taste)

Step by Step for Preparing the Breaded Zucchini

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well and peeling them if you prefer. Cut them into slices about 1 cm thick. This will allow the zucchinis to cook evenly and become crispy.

2. Salting the zucchinis: Sprinkle a little salt on the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This is an essential trick, as the salt will help draw out excess water, improving the final texture of the breaded zucchini.

3. Preparing the batter: In a bowl, beat the egg together with the milk. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously until you achieve a fluid batter, but thicker than pancake batter. The batter should coat the zucchini slices without being too runny.

4. Frying the zucchinis: In a deep skillet, heat a generous amount of oil. Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the zucchini slices. Dip each slice in the batter and fry them on both sides until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grating the cucumber: Wash the cucumber well and grate it using a fine grater. If you notice it has a lot of water, you can gently squeeze it by hand to leave only the pulp. This will prevent the sauce from becoming diluted.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with the yogurt. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped dill. Mix all the ingredients well and season with salt to taste.

3. Assembling the plate: Serve the breaded zucchinis warm, drizzled with the tzatziki sauce on top. You can add a few slices of toasted bread on the side to complete the meal.

Tips and Practical Advice

- Choosing zucchinis: Choose young and firm zucchinis, which are sweeter and juicier. Larger zucchinis may have a more fibrous texture and larger seeds.

- Variations of tzatziki sauce: You can add chopped black olives or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy note and a more intense flavor.

- Healthy alternative: If you want a healthier option, you can bake the zucchinis in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe for breaded zucchini with tzatziki sauce is not only delicious but also healthy. Zucchinis are an excellent source of vitamins (A, C) and minerals (potassium, manganese), while yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with eggplants, carrots, or potatoes, applying the same breading technique.

2. What drinks pair well with this recipe? A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to complement the meal.

3. How can I store the breaded zucchinis? You can store the breaded zucchinis in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days, but it is recommended to consume them as soon as possible to enjoy the crispy texture.

With this recipe for breaded zucchini with tzatziki sauce, you'll add a burst of flavor to your menu, whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish. Enjoy your meal!