Zucchini and coffee muffins

Zucchini and Coffee Muffins – A Surprising and Delicious Combination

If you are looking for a unique recipe that combines the flavor of a good morning with the sweetness of muffins, you have come to the right place! Zucchini and coffee muffins are not only delicious but also a healthy option for breakfast or a snack between meals. This recipe will help you transform a few simple ingredients into 12 fluffy and aromatic muffins that will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Necessary ingredients:

- 150 g grated zucchini (about one small zucchini)
- 130 g flour
- 50 g oat bran
- 110 g sugar
- 100 g nuts (preferably Romanian walnuts)
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml oil (sunflower oil or olive oil)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 30 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda

The story behind the recipe

Zucchini and coffee muffins are a modern reinterpretation of traditional muffins, rooted in the simplicity of available ingredients. Zucchini, a humble ingredient, is often used in sweet and savory dishes, bringing a soft texture and moisture. Combined with coffee, these muffins become a perfect choice for those who want to start the day with a boost of energy.

Step by step for perfect muffins

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature to achieve a uniform consistency of the batter. Grate the zucchini on a small grater and set it aside.

2. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet, lightly toast the nuts for a few minutes until fragrant. Once cooled, chop them coarsely with a knife. They will add a crunchy texture to your muffins.

3. Prepare the coffee: Dissolve the instant coffee in the 30 ml of warm water. This step will enhance the coffee flavor in the muffins.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and cinnamon. These ingredients will blend harmoniously, creating the perfect base for your muffins.

5. Add the wet ingredients: Crack the eggs into another bowl, add the dissolved coffee and oil. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

6. Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula. Do not overmix, just until the ingredients are incorporated.

7. Incorporate the zucchini and nuts: Add the grated zucchini (do not squeeze it) and the chopped nuts into the batter. If you find the batter too soft, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of flour, but usually, the zucchini adds enough moisture.

8. Fill the muffin tins: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C. Fill the muffin tins with batter, leaving a little space at the top for the muffins to rise.

9. Bake the muffins: Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they pass the toothpick test (when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).

10. Cooling and serving: After the muffins are baked, let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions

These muffins are delicious warm, but also at room temperature. You can serve them with a drizzle of honey or fruit jam for an even more intense flavor. A cup of fresh coffee or a fragrant tea are perfect companions to complete the experience.

Nutritional benefits

Zucchini and coffee muffins are not only tasty but also healthy! Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, while nuts add protein and healthy fats. Oat bran is excellent for digestion, also providing a portion of essential fiber.

Calories

Each muffin has approximately 150-180 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This makes them an ideal choice for a healthy breakfast or a quick snack.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can replace the nuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds + 2 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).

3. How can I store the muffins?
These muffins store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or can be frozen.

Possible variations

To add a splash of color and flavor, you can incorporate raisins or chocolate chips into the batter. Also, a teaspoon of vanilla extract will add a touch of refinement.

In conclusion, zucchini and coffee muffins are an excellent choice for anyone looking to experiment with unusual ingredients and enrich their morning menu. They are more than just simple muffins; they are a true story of taste and health! So don’t hesitate and give them a try! Enjoy!