Hello friends!
I’m back in full force after a well-deserved summer break!! I have several recipes to share with you, and I’m ready to bet you’ll love them…
Let’s start with my Oriental zucchini!
A simple and tasty recipe
So, I don’t know how you managed your summer, but at my place we kept it simple and delicious. I didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Even though I love cooking, I needed a little break from my pots and pans. With this Oriental zucchini recipe, we ease back in since it’s super easy and really quick to make.
Oriental cuisine: a journey of flavors and traditions
I love this cuisine! And I often highlight it. Oriental cuisine is a true feast for the senses, rich in colors, aromas, and diverse flavors. It encompasses culinary traditions from the Middle East and Southwest Asia, covering countries like Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and many others.
At the heart of this cuisine, you find fresh and simple ingredients: vegetables, aromatic herbs, spices, legumes, cereals, grilled meats, and fish. Spices like cinnamon, cumin, coriander, sumac, and cardamom give the dishes their unique and warm character.
Mezzes, small varied plates, are emblematic of Oriental conviviality. Hummus, tabbouleh, falafels, baba ganoush, or stuffed vine leaves are all delights to share with family or friends.
Oriental cuisine also gives a large place to slow cooking techniques, such as simmering, which reveal the full depth of flavors. Pita bread or Lebanese bread accompanies every meal, perfect for dipping into sauces.
This gastronomy is also synonymous with traditions, hospitality, and shared moments, making each meal a warm and convivial experience. Oriental cuisine is a culinary journey that captivates with its generosity and richness.
A little nutritional rebalancing
During the holidays, I admit I wasn’t exactly a model of balanced meals, even though tomato salads and other Greek salads featured often on my table. So it’s time to take things back in hand a bit. My Oriental zucchini will be perfect for that!!
The benefits of zucchini: a summer vegetable not to be overlooked
Light, refreshing, and easy to cook, zucchini is one of summer’s star vegetables. But beyond its mild taste and great culinary versatility, it’s packed with health benefits.
Made up of over 90% water, zucchini is a precious ally for hydration, especially during hot periods. Very low in calories (about 17 kcal per 100 g), it’s perfect for those who want to control their weight without sacrificing pleasure on the plate.
Nutritionally, zucchini is an interesting source of vitamins, especially vitamin C which supports the immune system, and vitamin B9 (folic acid), essential for proper cellular function and particularly important during pregnancy. It also provides potassium, a mineral beneficial for cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation.
Another advantage: its fiber content, especially when eaten with the skin. These gentle fibers promote intestinal transit while being well tolerated by sensitive stomachs.
Versatile in the kitchen, zucchini can be enjoyed raw or cooked: in salads, gratins, soups, sautés, stuffed, or even in desserts (in chocolate cake, it adds moistness without revealing its presence).
Finally, it’s easy to grow in gardens, making it a local, economical, and environmentally friendly vegetable when in season.
In summary, zucchini is a concentration of lightness, mild flavors, and essential nutrients. Plenty of good reasons to put it on your menu all summer long!
How to best accompany your Oriental zucchini
I suggest serving them simply with semolina, bulgur, or quinoa, and you’ll have a delicious, complete, and hearty vegetarian (even vegan) meal!
I recommend using Niçoise zucchini, which work especially well in this recipe because they have a very mild flavor. If you can’t find them, white or green zucchini will also be great.
Necessary utensils:
A cutting board,
A good paring knife,
A sauté pan (or a medium skillet)
And a spatula.
I’m sure you have all these in your kitchen!!
Well, no need to say more… Feel free to leave me your feedback on this Oriental zucchini recipe in the comments!
And now, the recipe, Chef!
Oriental Zucchini
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Loading...Ingredients
- 3 Niçoise zucchinis
- 100 g cooked chickpeas
- 50 g golden raisins
- 8 basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ras el hanout
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan.
Add the zucchinis, washed and cut into large cubes. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
Add the spices and chickpeas. Mix well and continue cooking over medium heat for 6-7 minutes.
Finally, add the raisins and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Just before serving, finely chop the basil.
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