5 tasty ways to enjoy zucchini
What's the story
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that knows no bounds and finds a place in the kitchens of different cuisines across the world. African vegetarian cuisine also creatively uses zucchini to create delightful, nutritious, and flavor-packed dishes. Here are five inventive ways to use zucchini in your meals, inspired by the different African culinary traditions. These dishes not only highlight zucchini's adaptability but also give you a taste of the rich flavors across the continent.
Dish 1
Zucchini and peanut stew
Zucchini and peanut stew is a hearty West African dish. The mixture of zucchini with ground peanuts gives this stew a creamy texture, which is satisfying and rich in taste. Usually cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices like ginger and garlic, this stew makes for a comforting meal option. It can be served over a bed of rice or eaten alone as a thick soup.
Dish 2
Spicy zucchini couscous
Spicy zucchini couscous is an exciting North African dish that goes well with various vegetables. In this preparation, zucchini is sauteed with spices like cumin and coriander before being mixed with fluffy couscous. The addition of chickpeas enhances the protein content while providing texture contrast. This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold as part of a larger meal spread.
Dish 3
Grilled zucchini skewers
Grilled zucchini skewers are just perfect for outdoor gatherings or quick meals at home. Stemming from East Africa's obsession with grilled food, these skewers consist of marinated chunks of zucchini threaded onto sticks with other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper makes sure every bite bursts with flavor when grilled to perfection.
Dish 4
Zucchini tagine with apricots
Combining sweet apricots with savory elements, zucchini tagine makes for an aromatic Moroccan-inspired dish, commonly cooked slowly in traditional clay pots known as tagines. They help retain moisture during cooking, yielding tender pieces flavored with spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and saffron among others. This makes it the perfect accompaniment to bread and rice alike.
Tip 5
Stuffed zucchinis with quinoa
Stuffed zucchinis filled with quinoa mixture make a nutritious, filling meal option much-loved in Southern regions, where fresh produce is available all year round. Hollowed-out halves are baked till tender, then stuffed with seasoned quinoa mixed with herbs, nuts, and raisins, providing a delightful balance of flavors and textures for vegetarians and vegans alike.