Courgettes in Yoghurt

Creamy Bulgarian Courgettes in Yoghurt Recipe with Dill

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Courgettes in Yoghurt is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light summer meal. The combination of crispy fried courgettes and creamy yoghurt is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where courgettes are a popular vegetable. The addition of yoghurt adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish, making it a unique and flavorful combination.

Ingredients

3 courgettes (zucchini), thinly sliced
salt
50 g (2 oz) plain flour
oil for shallow frying
460 ml (16 fl oz) thick natural yoghurt
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp freshly chopped dill

How to prepare

Place the courgettes in a colander, sprinkle them with salt, and let them sit in the sink or on a plate for 10 minutes.
Pat dry the courgette slices using kitchen paper, then coat them with flour on all sides.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan until it becomes very hot, then add the courgette slices and fry them on both sides until they turn golden brown. Drain them on kitchen paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic, dill, and yoghurt, and mix them well.
Transfer the yoghurt mixture to a wide shallow serving dish, and arrange the drained courgettes on top. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper to the yoghurt mixture for a spicy kick.
Top the dish with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat dry the courgette slices before coating them with flour to ensure they fry up crispy.

- Be sure to heat the oil until it is very hot before adding the courgette slices to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown.

- Refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Courgettes in Yoghurt as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or as a light lunch with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Shallow frying the courgettes ensures they become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yoghurt instead of natural yoghurt for a thicker consistency.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the courgettes and yoghurt mixture ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Courgettes in Yoghurt with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Courgettes in Yoghurt contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Courgettes in Yoghurt contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Courgettes in Yoghurt contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Courgettes in Yoghurt contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Courgettes are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yoghurt) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Courgettes in Yoghurt is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, while also being a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Courgettes in Yoghurt is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The crispy fried courgettes paired with the creamy yoghurt create a delicious combination that is sure to impress. Enjoy this dish as a side or a light lunch for a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria at her cozy cottage in the countryside. Maria was a fantastic cook, and her kitchen always smelled like a delicious medley of herbs and spices.

As we sipped our tea in her sunny garden, Maria suddenly got up and disappeared into her kitchen. She returned moments later with a platter of bright green courgettes swimming in a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. The aroma alone was enough to make my stomach rumble in anticipation.

Maria handed me a fork and urged me to try a bite. The courgettes were tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the cool, refreshing yogurt sauce. I was in heaven.

"Maria, this is incredible! How did you come up with this recipe?" I asked, my mouth full of deliciousness.

Maria chuckled and told me the story of how she learned to make courgettes in yogurt. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who hailed from the Mediterranean region.

Her great-grandmother had been a skilled cook, known for her creative use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. She had spent her days tending to her garden, growing an abundance of courgettes, tomatoes, and herbs. Whenever she had guests over, she would whip up this simple yet delectable dish as a light and refreshing appetizer.

Maria had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a cherished family tradition, and Maria was proud to carry on the legacy.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the courgettes in yogurt. I begged Maria to teach me how to make it, and she happily obliged. We spent a lazy afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, whisking yogurt, and sprinkling herbs.

As I watched Maria work her magic, I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions – it was about passion, creativity, and love. It was about connecting with the past and preserving traditions for future generations.

When the dish was finally ready, I took a hesitant bite, praying that I had done justice to Maria's recipe. The flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me back to that sunny day in Maria's garden. I had successfully recreated the courgettes in yogurt, and it was a triumph.

From that day on, courgettes in yogurt became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Every time I took a bite, I would think of Maria and her great-grandmother, and I would feel a sense of connection to my own roots.

Years passed, and I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen. I learned new recipes, experimented with different ingredients, and shared my culinary creations with friends and loved ones. But no matter how many dishes I mastered, courgettes in yogurt remained my favorite.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic, herbs, and olive oil, I can't help but smile. The recipe for courgettes in yogurt may have come from Maria, but it has become a part of me. It is a reminder of where I come from, who I am, and the love that I put into everything I cook.

And so, as I take a bite of the creamy, tangy courgettes in yogurt, I am grateful for the traditions that have shaped me and the memories that have sustained me. Cooking is not just a hobby – it is a way of honoring the past, celebrating the present, and creating a delicious future.