Enticing and warm, this zucchini curry recipe brings together the richness of aromatic spices with the healthful benefits of zucchini. It's an easy and versatile dish that works well as a main or a side, perfect for those seeking a bit of comfort and indulgence in their everyday meals.
The ingredients for this zucchini curry recipe are quite common and can be found in any well-stocked supermarket or grocery store. However, the spices, especially coriander, turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika, are integral to the recipe and give the curry its distinct flavor. Make sure to check your pantry and purchase any missing spices during your shopping trip. The full-fat coconut milk also adds a rich texture to the curry that can't be achieved with other types of milk.
Ingredients for the Zucchini Curry Recipe
Oil: This is used to sauté the onions, garlic, ginger, and zucchini. It also helps in releasing the flavors from the spices.
Red onion: This adds a robust flavor to the curry. It's sautéed until soft and golden.
Garlic: A key ingredient in most curry recipes, garlic adds a depth of flavor.
Ginger: This adds a bit of heat and fresh flavor to the curry.
Coriander: This spice brings a mild, sweet and floral flavor.
Smoked paprika: Gives the curry a sweet-spicy taste and a great color.
Turmeric: This spice provides a warm and earthy flavor and a vibrant color.
Cumin: It gives the curry a warm and earthy flavor.
Zucchinis: They are the main ingredient in this curry, providing a mild flavor and great texture.
Tomato paste: This thickens the curry and adds a rich tomato flavor.
Vegetable stock: This adds depth to the curry.
Coconut milk: This adds richness and creaminess to the curry.
Salt and pepper: They season the curry and enhance the overall flavor.
Cilantro: This is used as a garnish, adding a burst of fresh flavor at the end.
One reader, Corette Moyer says:
This zucchini curry recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and the spices are perfectly balanced. It's a great way to enjoy zucchini and the creamy coconut milk adds a luxurious touch. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a new favorite in my household!
Techniques Required for Making Zucchini Curry
How to sauté onions: Dice the onions and add oil to a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
How to incorporate spices: Add the coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric to the sautéed onions and stir to ensure the spices are well mixed.
How to simmer the curry: After adding the tomato paste, vegetable stock, and coconut milk, let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to season the curry: Season the curry with salt and pepper, and if desired, add a teaspoon of chili powder for extra spice.
How to garnish and serve: Garnish the curry with chopped cilantro and serve with roti, naan, or rice.
How To Make Zucchini Curry
For a quick and easy vegetarian meal, try this zucchini curry with a creamy, flavorful sauce and a sweeter flavor from the zucchini. Come try it!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspoil
- 1red onion
- 5clovesgarlic
- 2tspginger,freshly grated
- 2tspcoriander
- 2tspsmoked paprika
- ½tspturmeric
- 1tspcumin
- 3zucchinis
- 6oztomato paste
- ½cupvegetable stock
- 14ozfull fat coconut milk
- salt and pepper,to taste
- cilantro,fresh to garnish, optional
Instructions
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First off, dice the onions and garlic and grate the ginger.
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Then, add oil to a pan over medium heat and when warm, add in the diced onions and saute for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring to keep the onions from burning.
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While the onions are sauteing, dice the zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
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Then add in the ginger, garlic and zucchini into the pan with the sauteed onions and saute about 5 minutes, stirring often.
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Add in the coriander, cumin, smoked paprika and turmeric and stir so spices are well incorporated.
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Then, add in the tomato paste, vegetable stock, and coconut milk and stir till all three have combined well. Once it has been mixed well, let this simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper. If you’d like it a bit spicy, add in a teaspoon of chili powder and mix. Garnish with chopped cilantro and enjoy with roti or naan or rice.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 349.00kcal
- Fat: 29.39g
- Saturated Fat: 19.53g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.56g
- Carbohydrates: 22.21g
- Fiber: 5.15g
- Sugar: 10.43g
- Protein: 6.82g
- Sodium: 855.29mg
- Calcium: 94.02mg
- Potassium: 1187.66mg
- Iron: 6.35mg
- Vitamin A: 89.19µg
- Vitamin C: 41.45mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Zucchini Curry
When sautéing the onions, it's important to stir them frequently to prevent them from burning. The goal is to achieve a translucent, slightly caramelized texture, which will add a depth of flavor to the curry. Similarly, when adding the spices like coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric, make sure to stir them well into the mixture. This helps to 'wake up' the spices and fully release their flavors into the dish. Lastly, when adding the zucchini, ensure they are cut into even, bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures even cooking, but also makes for a better eating experience as every spoonful will have a good mix of all the ingredients.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Zucchini Curry
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking utensils to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and store leftovers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools.
Time-saving gadgets: Utilize kitchen appliances like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency by multitasking where possible.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Curry Recipe
zucchinis - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and flavor to zucchini, making it a suitable substitute in the curry recipe.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to red onions, but they work well in curry recipes and can be a good substitute.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger in a pinch. Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger.
coriander - Substitute with cumin: Cumin can be used as a substitute for coriander, as it adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish.
smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika, although it will lack the smoky flavor.
turmeric - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder can be used as a substitute for turmeric, as it contains turmeric along with other spices commonly used in curry dishes.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, adding a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
tomato paste - Substitute with canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, although the consistency of the dish may be slightly different.
vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock can be used as a substitute for vegetable stock, adding a rich flavor to the curry.
full fat coconut milk - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for full-fat coconut milk, providing a rich and creamy texture to the curry.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, adding a fresh and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
Best Way to Present This Zucchini Curry
Elevate the plating: When presenting the zucchini curry, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and elegance to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a squeeze bottle to create a beautiful and intricate design with the coconut milk on the plate. This adds a touch of sophistication and artistry to the presentation.
Utilize symmetry and balance: Arrange the zucchini curry and accompaniments in a balanced and symmetrical manner on the plate. This attention to detail will showcase precision and finesse in the presentation.
Highlight the zucchini: Showcase the star ingredient by arranging the zucchini pieces in a visually appealing manner. Consider layering them or creating a pattern to draw attention to the main component of the dish.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of finesse by garnishing the dish with finely chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds a polished look to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Zucchini Curry
- Pan: A flat-bottomed cooking utensil used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp-edged tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used to shred or grate ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring, mixing, and serving dishes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Vegetable peeler: A handheld tool used to peel the skin from vegetables and fruits.
- Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Whisk: A utensil with a narrow handle and wire loops used for beating, whipping, and blending ingredients.
- Tongs: A gripping tool used for lifting, turning, and serving hot food items.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, and emulsify ingredients.
- Can opener: A tool used to open cans and tins.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food items.
- Skewers: Long, narrow metal or wooden sticks used for grilling and skewering ingredients.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and broiling food items.
- Stovetop: The cooking surface of a stove used for heating cookware and preparing dishes.
- Food processor: An electric kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Zucchini Curry for Later
- Let the zucchini curry cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled curry to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the zucchini curry in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed or refrigerated curry in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the curry appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as rice, naan, or roti.
How To Reheat Leftover Zucchini Curry
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover zucchini curry to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the curry is evenly reheated without burning or drying out. If the curry seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to thin it out and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Microwave method: place the leftover zucchini curry in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. This will help prevent splatters and keep the curry moist. Microwave the curry in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the curry, as it may cause the zucchini to become mushy and the coconut milk to separate.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover zucchini curry to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the curry is heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover curry or if you want to reheat it alongside other dishes.
Slow cooker method: if you have a slow cooker or crockpot, you can use it to reheat your leftover zucchini curry. Simply transfer the curry to the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it warm up for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is perfect for those who want to reheat their curry without having to monitor it closely.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the reheated zucchini curry well before serving to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. You can also taste the curry and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra spices to enhance the flavors. Serve the reheated curry with fresh cilantro and your choice of rice, naan, or roti for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Curry
Zucchini curry is a delicious and healthy dish that is packed with nutrients. Zucchinis are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this curry a nutritious addition to your diet. This dish is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, helping you meet your daily vegetable intake. Additionally, the combination of spices and coconut milk in this curry creates a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking for a new way to enjoy zucchinis, this curry is a must-try!
Is Making Zucchini Curry at Home Cost-Effective?
This zucchini curry recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Zucchinis are affordable and readily available. The addition of spices and coconut milk enhances the flavors, making it a budget-friendly yet delicious meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an economical choice. The versatility of this dish also allows for variations, adding value to the investment. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Curry Recipe Healthy or Not So Much?
This zucchini curry recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like zucchini, onion, garlic, and ginger, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of spices like coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric not only adds flavor but also offers potential health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as the high-fat coconut milk and the relatively large amount of oil used for sautéing. These ingredients can contribute to a higher calorie and saturated fat content, which may not be ideal for those watching their weight or managing certain health conditions.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing or opt for a healthier oil like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk to lower the calorie and saturated fat content
- Increase the amount of zucchini and other vegetables in the recipe to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the curry with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients like chickpeas, spinach, or bell peppers to further enhance the nutritional value of the dish
Editor's Opinion on This Zucchini Curry Recipe
This zucchini curry recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and spices. The combination of ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying base for the tender zucchini. The addition of coconut milk adds a creamy texture, while the tomato paste and vegetable stock provide depth of flavor. The dish is well-balanced and versatile, perfect for pairing with roti, naan, or rice. The use of fresh cilantro as a garnish adds a pop of freshness to each bite. Overall, this zucchini curry is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
Why trust this Zucchini Curry Recipe:
This zucchini curry recipe is a testament to the fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of zucchini and aromatic spices like ginger, coriander, and cumin creates a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. The addition of coconut milk lends a creamy richness, while the use of smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness. The recipe's reliance on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques ensures an authentic and satisfying dining experience. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your culinary journey.
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