Fried Zucchini with Garlic Yogurt

Fried Zucchini with Garlic Yogurt Recipe from Arabia

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

Introduction

Fried zucchini with garlic yogurt is a delicious and crispy dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with the creaminess of garlic yogurt. This recipe is perfect as a side dish or appetizer for any meal.

History

This recipe has Mediterranean origins and is a popular dish in countries like Turkey and Greece. It is often served as a meze, or appetizer, and is loved for its crunchy texture and flavorful yogurt sauce.

Ingredients

4 large garlic cloves, pressed
1 tsp salt
2 cups plain yogurt
vegetable oil (for deep frying)
1.5 cups plus 1 cup all purpose flour
1.67 to 1.75 cups water
4 large zucchini, thinly sliced on diagonal

How to prepare

1) In a small bowl, combine garlic and 1 tsp salt. Mix in yogurt. (Can be prepared 3 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
2) Pour oil into a heavy medium saucepan to a depth of 1.5 inches and heat to 350°F (177°C). Place 1.5 cups of flour in a medium bowl. Whisk in enough water to form a smooth medium-thin batter. Place the remaining 1 cup of flour in a large bowl. Working in batches, add zucchini to the flour in the bowl and toss, separating slices to coat well. Dip zucchini into the batter and fry until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels and drain.
3) Place yogurt in the center of a large platter. Surround with zucchini and serve.

Variations

You can add herbs like mint or dill to the garlic yogurt for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the zucchini before serving.
You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic yogurt for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the zucchini thinly to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the zucchini, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy zucchini.

- For a healthier version, you can also bake the zucchini slices instead of frying them.

Serving Suggestions

Fried zucchini with garlic yogurt can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as an appetizer with pita bread. It pairs well with a fresh salad or tabbouleh.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making crispy fried zucchini is to fry the slices in hot oil until golden brown. Make sure to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have zucchini, you can also use eggplant or yellow squash for this recipe. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the garlic yogurt up to 3 hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to serve. The zucchini can be fried ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried zucchini slices in a circular pattern on a platter and place a dollop of garlic yogurt in the center. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried zucchini with garlic yogurt pairs well with grilled meats like lamb or chicken. It also goes well with rice pilaf or couscous for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover fried zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the zucchini slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried zucchini with garlic yogurt contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried zucchini with garlic yogurt contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fried zucchini with garlic yogurt contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of fried zucchini with garlic yogurt contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. The garlic yogurt adds additional nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and gluten (flour). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Fried zucchini with garlic yogurt is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a side dish.

Summary

Fried zucchini with garlic yogurt is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy zucchini slices and creamy yogurt sauce, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a hot summer day, much like today, and I had just returned home from a trip to the farmers market. As I unpacked my bags, I came across a beautiful bunch of fresh zucchini that I had picked up on a whim.

I had never cooked zucchini before, but I was eager to try something new. I remembered a friend mentioning a recipe for fried zucchini with garlic yogurt that she had tried and loved. I decided to give it a go.

I called up my friend and asked her for the recipe. She laughed and told me that she had actually learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. She recited the recipe to me over the phone, and I scribbled it down on a scrap of paper.

The next day, I set to work in the kitchen. I sliced the zucchini into thin rounds, dipped them in a light batter, and fried them until they were golden brown and crispy. In a separate bowl, I mixed together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to create a tangy dipping sauce.

As I took my first bite of the fried zucchini dipped in garlic yogurt, I was transported back to my friend's kitchen, where she had first served me this delicious dish. The zucchini was tender and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness from the batter. The garlic yogurt added a creamy richness that perfectly complemented the crispy zucchini.

I was hooked. From that day on, fried zucchini with garlic yogurt became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family dinners, potlucks, and even for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I cooked it, I thought of my friend and her grandmother, who had passed down this wonderful recipe through the generations.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added fresh herbs, spices, and even different types of yogurt to create new variations of the dish. But no matter how I change it, the basic recipe remains the same: fried zucchini with garlic yogurt.

As I sit here now, in my kitchen, preparing this dish once again, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each dish tells a story, a history of love and connection that transcends time and space.

And so, as I take my first bite of the crispy fried zucchini dipped in tangy garlic yogurt, I raise a toast to my friend, her grandmother, and all the generations of cooks who have come before me. Thank you for this delicious recipe, and for the memories that it brings with it.