Spiced Zucchini Yogurt Delight
Experience the delightful twist on a classic Indian side with this Spiced Zucchini Yogurt Delight. Inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's renowned Eastern Vegetarian Cooking, this raita offers a flavorful alternative to regular cucumber raita. The combination of grated zucchini, sautéed onions, and a hint of spices mixed into creamy yogurt creates a refreshing dish perfect for a summer meal. Enjoy it chilled to soothe your palate or gently warmed for a comforting taste of India.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
2 medium (trimmed and coarsely grated)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
onion
1 medium (peeled and finely sliced into half-moons)
plain yogurt
350 ml (smoothed)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
black pepper
1/16 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
1/16 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini - Trim the ends of the zucchinis and grate them coarsely using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss well to mix the salt into the zucchini. Allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes to release excess moisture.
2
Step 2: Drain Zucchini - After resting, transfer the zucchini to a sieve or colander. Press out as much liquid as possible with the back of a spoon or by gently squeezing with your hands. Ensure the zucchini shreds are separated and not clumped together.
3
Step 3: Prepare Onions - Peel and halve the onion lengthwise. Slice each half into thin, half-moon-shaped slices. Set aside.
4
Step 4: Prepare Yogurt - In a large mixing bowl, add the plain yogurt and whisk it with a fork or whisk until it turns smooth and creamy.
5
Step 5: Cook Aromatics - Heat the vegetable oil in an 8-inch/20-cm frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the black mustard seeds. When these start popping, just a few seconds later, add the sliced onions. Stir and sauté for around 2 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
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Step 6: Combine with Yogurt - Add the drained zucchini to the pan with onions. Continue stirring and frying for another 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. After cooling, fold the zucchini-onion mix gently into the yogurt in the mixing bowl.
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Step 7: Seasoning - Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and desired amount of cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
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Step 8: Serving - If preferred cold, cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. For a warm serving, transfer the zucchini yogurt mixture into a double boiler and gently warm over low heat, stirring consistently in one direction. Ensure it does not reach a boil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Zucchini Yogurt Delight?
It is a refreshing Indian side dish, known as a raita, made with grated zucchini, sautéed onions, mustard seeds, and creamy yogurt.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned chef Madhur Jaffrey and her work in Eastern Vegetarian Cooking.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this zucchini raita?
The primary ingredients include medium zucchinis, plain yogurt, a medium onion, vegetable oil, black mustard seeds, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How should I prepare the zucchini for this dish?
You should trim the ends and coarsely grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor.
Why is salt added to the raw zucchini?
Salt is added to the grated zucchini to help draw out excess moisture, ensuring the final dish isn't too watery.
How long should the zucchini sit after salting?
The grated zucchini should sit for approximately 30 minutes to release its liquid.
How do I properly drain the zucchini?
Transfer the zucchini to a sieve or colander and press out the liquid using the back of a spoon or your hands.
How should the onion be sliced?
The onion should be halved lengthwise and then sliced into thin, half-moon-shaped pieces.
What is the best way to prepare the yogurt?
Whisk the plain yogurt in a large bowl with a fork or whisk until it is completely smooth and creamy.
How do I cook the black mustard seeds?
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and add the seeds; they should start popping within a few seconds.
How long do I sauté the onions?
The sliced onions should be sautéed for about 2 minutes, or until they become translucent.
Do I cook the zucchini before adding it to the yogurt?
Yes, the drained zucchini is sautéed with the onions for about 3 minutes before being mixed into the yogurt.
Should the zucchini mixture be hot when added to the yogurt?
No, you should turn off the heat and allow the zucchini and onion mixture to cool slightly before folding it into the yogurt.
What spices are used for seasoning at the end?
The dish is seasoned with the remaining salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Can this dish be served warm?
Yes, it can be served warm by heating it gently in a double boiler while stirring consistently in one direction.
What is the most important rule when warming yogurt?
When warming the mixture, ensure it never reaches a boil to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
Can I serve Spiced Zucchini Yogurt Delight cold?
Absolutely, it is traditionally served chilled and can be refrigerated until ready to serve.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/16 teaspoon, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
What kind of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe calls for vegetable oil, but any neutral-flavored oil will work.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total: zucchini, salt, onion, yogurt, vegetable oil, mustard seeds, black pepper, and cayenne.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is an Indian vegetarian side dish.
What makes this different from cucumber raita?
Unlike standard cucumber raita, this version uses cooked, sautéed zucchini and onions for a deeper flavor profile.
Can I use a food processor to grate the zucchini?
Yes, a food processor with a grating attachment is a fast and efficient way to prepare the zucchini.
What color are the mustard seeds used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses black mustard seeds, which have a pungent, nutty flavor.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthy side dish as it features fresh vegetables and probiotic-rich yogurt.
What is the total amount of salt used?
A total of 3/4 teaspoon of salt is used, divided between the zucchini prep and final seasoning.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The texture is creamy from the yogurt, with a slight bite from the grated zucchini and soft sautéed onions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and the flavors often meld together better after sitting for a short time.
What should I do if the mustard seeds don't pop?
If they don't pop, the oil may not be hot enough. Ensure the oil is properly heated before adding the seeds.