Spiced Zucchini Stir-Fry
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spiced Zucchini Stir-Fry, a delightful Pakistani dish that beautifully showcases fresh zucchini. This easy-to-make recipe combines the earthy notes of cumin, the warmth of turmeric, and the delightful crunch of seasoned bengal gram flour to create a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect as a standalone snack or as a side to hot Chapatis, fragrant rice, and comforting Daal, this stir-fry is a must-try for any meal. With its quick cooking time and incredible taste, you'll want to make it a regular feature in your dining repertoire!
6
Servings
58
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
3 (large, cut into quarters lengthwise and diced into 1" pieces)
Bengal gram flour (besan)
3 (tablespoons)
Salt
to taste
Turmeric powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Red chili powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Cumin powder
1 (teaspoon)
Cumin seeds
1 (teaspoon)
Carom seeds (ajwain)
1 (teaspoon)
Cooking oil
3 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the zucchini under cold water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
2
Cut each zucchini into quarters lengthwise, then dice them into 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped zucchini with bengal gram flour, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated.
4
Set the mixture aside to marinate for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and ajwain seeds. Sauté them until they stop spluttering, releasing their aromatic flavors.
6
Add the seasoned zucchini mixture to the pan, stirring well to combine with the spices.
7
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the zucchini until the bengal gram flour coating turns golden and has a pleasant aroma, indicating that it’s cooked. The zucchini should also be tender but still retain a slight crunch.
8
Serve the Spiced Zucchini Stir-Fry hot, paired with freshly made Chapatis, steamed rice, and your favorite Daal for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
5.8g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
1.2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Zucchini Stir-Fry?
Spiced Zucchini Stir-Fry is a vibrant Pakistani dish featuring fresh zucchini coated in seasoned bengal gram flour and aromatic spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include 3 large zucchinis, bengal gram flour (besan), salt, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, cumin seeds, carom seeds, and cooking oil.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 58 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
Is Spiced Zucchini Stir-Fry gluten-free?
Yes, bengal gram flour is naturally gluten-free, making this a gluten-free dish.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
Bengal gram flour, also known as besan, is used to coat the zucchini.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
Wash and pat dry the zucchini, cut them into quarters lengthwise, and then dice them into 1-inch pieces.
What spices are used for the coating?
The coating consists of turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt.
What seeds are used for tempering the oil?
Cumin seeds and carom seeds (ajwain) are sautéed in hot oil to release their aromas.
How long should the zucchini marinate?
The zucchini should marinate for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before cooking.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 5.8g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this dish?
One serving provides 1.3g of protein.
How much fiber is in the Spiced Zucchini Stir-Fry?
There is 1.2g of fiber per serving.
Can this dish be served as a snack?
Yes, it is perfect as a standalone snack or as a side dish.
What are the best side dishes for this stir-fry?
It pairs excellently with hot Chapatis, fragrant rice, and comforting Daal.
What is the recommended cooking temperature?
The oil should be heated over medium heat, then the heat should be lowered to a simmer once the zucchini is added.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the flour coating turns golden and the zucchini is tender but still retains a slight crunch.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Pakistani cuisine.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar.
How much turmeric is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
What is the purpose of carom seeds in this dish?
Carom seeds (ajwain) add a unique aromatic flavor and are traditionally used to aid digestion.
How much cumin powder is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of cumin powder for the seasoning.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy and quick meal option.
How much red chili powder should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder.
What should I do after washing the zucchini?
Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to ensure the coating adheres well.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What texture should the bengal gram flour have when cooked?
It should be golden, fragrant, and fully cooked through.