Zucchini Cake

Zucchini Bread: a versatile and healthy delicacy

Have you ever thought that zucchini could become the star ingredient of a dessert? This zucchini bread recipe is not only a delicious option but also a clever way to include vegetables in your diet without compromising on taste. Preparing this bread is simple and quick, taking about 60 minutes in total, including baking time, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, at a family meal, or as a healthy snack, this bread will surely impress.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the bread:
- 3 eggs
- 180 g yogurt (you can use natural or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil are excellent)
- 100 g grated cheese (or cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g grated cheese (any cheese you have on hand, such as feta or ricotta)
- 3-4 medium zucchinis (about 400 g, skin can be left on or removed depending on preference)
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the yogurt sauce:
- 150 g yogurt
- 1 clove of garlic (crushed or finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for an umami flavor)

Necessary utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (or another type of baking dish)
- Grater for zucchini
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking paper

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the zucchinis well. If they are from the garden, make sure they are fresh. After washing, grate them with a large grater. It’s important to squeeze them well in a kitchen towel to remove excess water; otherwise, your bread may turn out too moist.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs with a whisk or mixer until fluffy. Gradually add the yogurt and oil, continuing to mix. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

3. Adding the cheeses: Incorporate the grated cheese and the other cheese into the egg mixture. These cheeses will provide flavor and creaminess to the bread.

4. Incorporating the zucchinis: Add the grated and squeezed zucchinis to the mixture. Mix well, ensuring the zucchinis are evenly distributed.

5. Flour and baking powder: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and dried thyme. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula to avoid lumps.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Line the loaf pan with baking paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake the bread for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Yogurt sauce

1. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt with the crushed garlic and soy sauce. Mix well until you achieve a uniform composition. This sauce will add a note of freshness and flavor to your bread.

Chef's tip

For a touch of originality, you can also add some finely chopped green or black olives to the bread mixture. Additionally, you can replace thyme with fresh or dried basil for a different taste.

Serving ideas

This zucchini bread is delicious both on its own and accompanied by a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. You can also pair the bread with a glass of dry white wine or a cold lemonade for a perfect meal.

Nutritional benefits

Zucchinis are rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, making them ideal for a balanced diet. Yogurt provides essential probiotics for digestive health, while the cheeses offer a good source of calcium and protein. Each slice of bread has about 200 calories, making it a good choice for a healthy snack.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen zucchini? It is recommended to use fresh zucchini, but you can also use frozen zucchini, ensuring they are thawed and well-drained before use.

2. Can I replace yogurt with another ingredient? Yes, if you want a dairy-free option, you can use soy or coconut yogurt.

3. What other cheeses can I use? Feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese are excellent options that will add distinct flavors.

Conclusion

This zucchini bread recipe is not only simple and quick but also offers an opportunity to experiment with various ingredients and create unique combinations. Whether you choose to serve it as an appetizer or as a snack, this bread will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it and let your imagination run wild! Enjoy!