Zucchini Curry

Zucchini Curry Recipe - Indian Cuisine

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zucchini curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with the bold flavors of curry powder and cumin. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

History

Zucchini curry is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, where zucchini is often used in a variety of dishes. The combination of zucchini with curry powder and cumin creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

4 tsp butter or margarine, divided
2 medium red onions, sliced
4 cups eggplant, unpeeled, diced into 0.5-inch cubes
4 cups zucchini, sliced
2 cups red bell peppers, sliced
4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
0.5 cup mango chutney
0.5 cup flour
8 tsp ground cumin
1.5 tbsp curry powder
4 cups water
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Heat 2 tsp of butter or margarine in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onions and eggplant and sauté for 5 minutes. Add zucchini, red bell peppers, and garlic and sauté for another 5 minutes. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the remaining butter or margarine and chutney to the cleared center of the pan. Add flour, cumin, and curry powder and mix well. Add water and toss the vegetables. Cook until the sauce thickens, approximately 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as cauliflower or potatoes.
Add coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dice the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or protein sources to make this dish more hearty.

Serving Suggestions

Serve zucchini curry over steamed rice or with naan bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

- Thicken the sauce with flour for a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine.

- Substitute mango chutney with apricot preserves.

Make Ahead Tips

Zucchini curry can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve zucchini curry in a colorful bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of cumin or curry powder for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair zucchini curry with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover zucchini curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 14g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 120% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Zucchini curry is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Summary

Zucchini curry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal. With the bold flavors of curry powder and cumin, this dish 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 happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Meena, who had recently returned from a trip to India. Meena was always full of stories and adventures, and this time was no different. She excitedly recounted her culinary experiences in India, and one dish in particular caught my attention - Zucchini Curry.

Meena described the dish as a flavorful and aromatic blend of zucchini, spices, and coconut milk. She had learned the recipe from a local woman she had met during her travels, and she graciously offered to teach me how to make it. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn a new recipe, especially one that sounded so delicious.

We spent the afternoon in Meena's kitchen, chopping vegetables, toasting spices, and simmering the curry on the stove. The scent of cumin, coriander, and turmeric filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When it was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Zucchini Curry with fluffy basmati rice.

The first bite was a revelation. The zucchini was tender and flavorful, infused with the spices and coconut milk. Each bite was a burst of flavor and texture, a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy. I couldn't believe how simple the ingredients were, yet how complex and delicious the flavors turned out to be.

From that day on, Zucchini Curry became a regular feature on my dinner table. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, and it never failed to impress. The recipe was a hit with everyone who tried it, and I soon became known as the "Zucchini Curry Queen" among my friends and family.

As the years went by, I continued to make Zucchini Curry, experimenting with different variations and tweaks to the recipe. Sometimes I would add extra vegetables like bell peppers or peas, or adjust the spice level to suit my guests' preferences. Each time I made the dish, it brought back fond memories of that summer day in Meena's kitchen, learning a new recipe and discovering a new favorite dish.

One of the things I love most about Zucchini Curry is its versatility. It can be a simple weeknight meal served with rice, or a more elaborate feast with naan, chutney, and raita. The flavors are so adaptable that you can easily customize the dish to suit your taste, whether you prefer it mild and creamy or bold and spicy.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Zucchini Curry with many friends and family members, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. My grandchildren love to help me in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring the pot as the curry simmers on the stove. It warms my heart to see them enjoying the same dish that brought me so much joy and satisfaction all those years ago.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking, I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes and culinary wisdom with me. Each dish tells a story, a journey of discovery and creativity that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Zucchini Curry will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of a sunny afternoon spent in good company, learning and laughing and savoring the simple pleasures of life.