By Ujjainee Roy
April 6, 2024
Zucchini is a nutrition-rich vegetable which is not just versatile and healthy but it's also mellow in taste so it can be easily added in homecooked meals. The seasonal squash helps lower blood pressure and also helps with heart health. Here are some easy ways to include this veggie in Indian meals.
Prepare a simple stir-fry by chopping zucchini into bite-sized pieces and sautéing them with onions, garlic, and Indian spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving as a side dish with roti or rice.
Make zucchini pakoras by slicing zucchini into thin rounds or strips. Dip them in a chickpea flour (besan) batter seasoned with spices like garam masala, chili powder, and ajwain. Deep fry until golden brown and crispy.
Grate zucchini and mix it into the dough for making parathas along with chopped cilantro, green chilies, and spices. Roll out the dough into flatbreads and cook on a griddle with a little oil until golden brown. Serve hot with yogurt or pickles.
Grate or finely dice zucchini and mix it into plain yogurt along with roasted cumin powder, salt, and chopped mint leaves. This refreshing zucchini raita pairs well with spicy Indian dishes, acting as a cooling condiment.
Layer cooked basmati rice with sautéed zucchini, caramelized onions, fried paneer or tofu, and a blend of biryani spices such as saffron, cardamom, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low heat until the flavours meld together.
Add diced zucchini to the traditional South Indian lentil stew known as sambar. Boil the lentils with tamarind, tomatoes, and sambar powder. Towards the end of cooking, add the zucchini pieces and let them simmer until tender.
Spread a thin layer of dosa batter onto a hot griddle and top it with thinly sliced zucchini and onions. Sprinkle with a pinch of turmeric powder and cook until the dosa is crispy. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar.