Herbed Zucchini Basil Delight Muffins
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with these Herbed Zucchini Basil Delight Muffins. Inspired by a classic recipe from Gourmet Magazine, these savory treats combine the fresh taste of grated zucchini and aromatic basil, creating a moist and flavorful muffin perfect for any occasion. While these muffins can be enjoyed simply as a snack or breakfast item, they're also a fantastic choice for a sophisticated tea sandwich when paired with butter and thinly sliced radishes. Perfectly baked until golden, they exude warmth and comfort. Try these for brunch or as a unique addition to your next gathering, and experience the delightful harmony of herb and vegetable that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (measured)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (measured)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Double-acting baking powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Vegetable shortening (or olive oil spread)
2 tablespoons (softened)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (measured)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Buttermilk
1/4 cup (measured)
Coarsely grated zucchini
1 cup (well-scrubbed and grated)
Finely chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup (fresh, finely chopped)
Unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (softened (optional, for tea sandwich))
Radishes
8 (thinly sliced (optional, for tea sandwich))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a standard muffin tin or mini-muffin tins if preferred.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and black pepper until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegetable shortening (or olive oil spread) and sugar until it's light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg until well incorporated, followed by the buttermilk, mixing until the batter is smooth.
4
Gently fold in the coarsely grated zucchini and finely chopped fresh basil into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
5
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense muffins.
6
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full. If using mini-muffin tins, adjust the baking time accordingly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 to 20 minutes for standard muffins, or a few minutes less for mini-muffins. The muffins should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes.
9
For a delightful tea sandwich, slice the muffins in half horizontally, spread soft butter on the cut sides, and layer with thinly sliced radishes before sandwiching them back together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herbed Zucchini Basil Delight Muffins?
They are savory muffins featuring fresh grated zucchini and aromatic basil, inspired by a recipe from Gourmet Magazine.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a classic version originally featured in Gourmet Magazine.
What are the primary flavors in these muffins?
The main flavors are fresh zucchini and aromatic basil, complemented by savory notes of black pepper.
Can these muffins be used for tea sandwiches?
Yes, they are a fantastic choice for sophisticated tea sandwiches when paired with butter and thinly sliced radishes.
How do I assemble the recommended tea sandwich?
Slice the muffins horizontally, spread soft butter on the cut sides, and layer with thinly sliced radishes.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How should I prepare the muffin tin?
You should grease a standard muffin tin or mini-muffin tins before adding the batter.
What dry ingredients are included in the mix?
The dry mixture consists of all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and black pepper.
What can be used instead of vegetable shortening?
You can use olive oil spread as a substitute for softened vegetable shortening.
What is the first step for mixing wet ingredients?
The first step is to cream together the softened vegetable shortening (or olive oil spread) and sugar until light and fluffy.
How many eggs does the recipe require?
The recipe requires one large egg, beaten.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be well-scrubbed and coarsely grated to yield one cup.
How much basil is needed for this recipe?
You need 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh basil.
When should I add the zucchini and basil to the mix?
Gently fold the grated zucchini and chopped basil into the wet mixture before adding the dry ingredients.
What is the secret to keeping the muffins from becoming dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining the dry flour mixture with the wet ingredients.
How much should I fill each muffin cup?
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
How long should standard muffins bake?
Standard muffins typically bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes.
Can I make mini-muffins with this batter?
Yes, you can use mini-muffin tins, but you should adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I check if the muffins are done?
The muffins are done when they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the recommended cooling process?
Once removed from the oven, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes.
How much flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What kind of baking powder is specified?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of double-acting baking powder.
How much buttermilk is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of buttermilk.
Are these muffins suitable for brunch?
Yes, they are described as a perfect addition to brunch or any gathering.
What optional ingredients are suggested for serving?
Unsalted butter and 8 thinly sliced radishes are suggested for serving as tea sandwiches.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe contains 1 tablespoon of sugar.
What category do these muffins fall into?
These are savory vegetable muffins often served as snacks or for breakfast.
Is black pepper a significant ingredient?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper is added to enhance the savory herb flavor.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 13 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What tags describe these muffins?
Tags include muffins, zucchini, basil, savory, tea sandwich, herb muffins, European, snack, brunch, and vegetable muffins.