Most people think of zucchini or courgette as a vegetable. Technically, however, it is a fruit. The mild flavour of this summer squash enables it to feature in a variety of recipes. Given its high nutritional value and low-calorie content, it works well with all kinds of diets. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Besides, it’s in season now in abundance. So it’s the best time to try out many recipes using this culinary chameleon.

Usually used in savoury preparations, here’s a recipe for a post-school sweet bread made with zucchini.

Ingredients

To make this zucchini bread, you will need:

  • 1 medium-size organic zucchini (makes around 1 and 1/3rd cup grated without peeling)
  • 2 cups flour,
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, vegan or regular)
  • 1/2 cup yoghurt (plant-based or dairy)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup white sugar (reduce to 1/2 cup white sugar if using chocolate chips)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Method

It is quite easy and quick to make and doesn’t need any fancy equipment.

  1. Preheat your oven to 170 degrees centigrade.
  2. Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with oil or butter, as preferred.
  3. In a smaller bowl, sieve in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon powder. Add salt and whisk to combine the dry ingredients.

    Photo of dry ingredients

  4. In the bigger bowl, mix the wet ingredients: oil, sugar (both brown and white), yoghurt and vanilla extract and whisk until well.

    Photo of other wet ingredients

  5. Add the shredded zucchini to the wet ingredients and mix with a spatula until combined.

    Photo of wet ingredients shredded zucchini

  6. Now pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in with a spatula till there is no dry flour left.

    Photo of mixing dry and wet ingredients Step 6

  7. Now add in the walnuts and chocolate chips (if preferred) and mix until combined. Be very careful not to over mix the bread batter as it will release the gluten strands in the flour and create a dense texture for the bread.

    Photo of the step adding walnuts

  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf mould. Place in the middle rack of the oven. It will bake for about 40-50 minutes. Use a skewer to test the doneness. The skewer needs to come out clean.

    Photo of Pouring in the prepared mould and bake Step 8

 

Photo of Zucchini Bread

You can make this on the weekend and use it as a post-school snack during the week. Hope you’ll enjoy trying out this zucchini bread. It was a hit at our home!

Disclaimer: Opinions and methods expressed are solely of the writer. Namaste Switzerland does not undertake any obligation or liability which may arise from the content.