How to Cook with Sweet Potatoes,How to Cook with Sweet Potatoes
Recipes

A creative and delicious way to enjoy zucchini, stuffed with a hearty filling of your choice.

Ingredients:

  • 4 small zucchinis
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes, cooked quinoa or rice, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats, then top with grated cheese.
  6. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Crispy, savoury fritters made with zucchini, perfect as a snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, grated
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Sour cream or yogurt for dipping (optional)

Method:

  1. Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean towel. Squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. In a bowl, combine the grated zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the pan and flatten them into patties.
  4. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
  5. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for dipping.

A delicious and fresh twist on tacos, with sautéed zucchini and sweet corn as the base.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Soft corn tortillas
  • Toppings: Salsa, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream

Method:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
  2. Add the corn, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. Warm the tortillas and fill them with the zucchini and corn mixture.
  4. Top with salsa, avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream.

Storage tips for zucchini:

  • Whole zucchini: Store zucchini in the crisper drawer of your fridge. They should last about 4-5 days when kept in a plastic bag or an airtight container.
  • Cut zucchini: Once cut, wrap the pieces in a paper towel and place them in an airtight container or a plastic bag in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days.
  • Freezing zucchini: Zucchini can be frozen, but it’s best to blanch them first. Cut zucchini into slices or cubes, then blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process, drain well, and store in a freezer bag. Frozen zucchini lasts for about 3 months.

Cooking tips for zucchini:

  • Choosing zucchini: Look for firm, smooth zucchinis with no blemishes or soft spots. Smaller zucchinis tend to have better flavour and texture, as they are less watery and have thinner skins.
  • Prepping zucchini: Wash zucchini well and remove the ends. For most recipes, you can leave the skin on as it adds colour and nutrients, but if you prefer, you can peel it.
  • Slicing zucchini: For even cooking, slice zucchini uniformly. You can cut them into rounds, half-moons, or long strips, depending on the recipe.
  • Avoiding soggy zucchini: Zucchini has a high water content, which can make dishes soggy if not handled properly. To reduce excess moisture:
    • For grilling or roasting: Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
    • For sautéing or frying: Cook zucchini over medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to help the water evaporate.