5 Unexpected and Easy Ways to Cook Zucchini: Enchiladas, Cake, Salad, Soup, and Deep-Fried Puffs

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a perfect ingredient for both savory and sweet recipes. In this guide, we will explore five unexpected and easy ways to cook zucchini: Enchiladas, Cake, Salad, Soup, and Deep-Fried Puffs. Whether you’re looking for a main course, a dessert, or a snack, these recipes will showcase zucchini’s versatility and make it a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Zucchini Enchiladas

• 4 large zucchinis
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make Zucchini Enchiladas

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Zucchinis: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create zucchini boats. Set aside.
3. Cook Filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and cook until softened. Stir in the black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble Enchiladas: Fill each zucchini boat with the meat mixture. Place the filled zucchinis in a baking dish and pour the enchilada sauce over them. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Ingredients for Zucchini Cake

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How to Make Zucchini Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchini and set it aside. If the zucchini is very watery, you can squeeze out some of the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated zucchini and walnuts, if using.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Ingredients for Zucchini Salad

• 2 large zucchinis
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Zucchini Salad

1. Prepare Zucchini: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the zucchinis into thin ribbons. Place the zucchini ribbons in a large bowl.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil to the bowl.
3. Dress Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the salad and serve immediately.

Ingredients for Zucchini Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 medium zucchinis, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Zucchini Soup

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the chopped zucchinis, potatoes, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches in a regular blender.
5. Add Cream: If using, stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Ingredients for Zucchini Deep-Fried Puffs

• 2 large zucchinis, grated
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Oil for frying
• Marinara sauce, for serving

How to Make Zucchini Deep-Fried Puffs

1. Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry Puffs: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Serve the deep-fried puffs hot, with marinara sauce for dipping.

About the Main Ingredients

Zucchini: Zucchini is a summer squash that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Zucchini is also low in calories and high in water content, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Ground Turkey/Beef (for enchiladas): Ground turkey or beef provides a hearty and protein-rich filling for the zucchini enchiladas. Turkey is a leaner option, while beef offers a richer flavor.

Flour and Eggs (for cake and puffs): Flour and eggs are essential for creating the structure in baked goods like zucchini cake and deep-fried puffs. They help bind the ingredients together and provide a tender crumb.

Parmesan Cheese (for puffs): Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami flavor to the zucchini deep-fried puffs. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a crispy texture when fried.

Olive Oil (for salad and soup): Olive oil is used to dress the zucchini salad and to sauté the vegetables for the soup. It adds a rich, fruity flavor and healthy fats to the dishes.

These recipes highlight the versatility of zucchini and its ability to shine in a variety of culinary applications. Whether you’re making a savory main dish, a refreshing salad, a comforting soup, or a delightful dessert, zucchini is a fantastic ingredient that can elevate your cooking. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering new ways to incorporate zucchini into your meals.