Zucchini has never tasted this good, and this easy zucchini focaccia recipe will surely become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack, a side dish, or even a light main course, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. The combination of grated vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a light cheesy crust makes it a perfect dish for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, which blends the freshness of zucchini with the rich flavors of cheese, vegetables, and a tangy sauce on the side.
Ingredients
For the Focaccia:
- 2 zucchini, grated
- 2 large potatoes, grated
- 2 bell peppers, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 200 g (1 ⅔ cups) flour
- 200 g (1 cup) corn (canned or fresh)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (plus more for topping)
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Chives, cut into rings (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 200 g (¾ cup) Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crafting the Filling
1. Grate and Rest the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchini into a large bowl. Add a generous pinch of salt and mix well. Let it rest for 15 minutes to release excess water. This step is crucial for preventing your focaccia from becoming too watery.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and grate them into a separate bowl. To remove excess starch, cover the grated potatoes with cold water, mix them gently, and allow them to rest for 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze out any remaining water.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to brown. Add the diced carrot, cover the pan, and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens. Next, add the chopped bell peppers, stir well, and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
Squeeze the zucchini to remove any remaining moisture and place it in a clean mixing bowl. Do the same with the potatoes. Add the sautéed vegetables, corn, chives, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Finally, fold in the grated cheese, which will add a creamy, savory flavor to the filling.
5. Incorporate the Flour:
Gradually add the flour to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously. The result should be a soft yet compact dough. If the dough feels too wet, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
Creating the Sauce
1. Prepare the Tangy Sauce:
To complement the zucchini focaccia, prepare a simple yet flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. Add the minced garlic and fresh dill, mixing everything until smooth and creamy. The tanginess of the yogurt and the freshness of the dill will beautifully balance the richness of the focaccia.
Baking the Focaccia
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure even baking, allowing the focaccia to become golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
2. Prepare the Baking Tray:
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil. This will prevent the focaccia from sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
3. Bake the Focaccia:
Spread the focaccia dough evenly across the tray, pressing it down to ensure an even thickness throughout. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese:
After the initial 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top of the focaccia. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns a beautiful golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Once your zucchini focaccia is golden and aromatic, it’s time to serve. Here are a few ideas to make the most of this dish:
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor, slice the focaccia into squares or wedges and serve it warm. The texture will be soft with a crispy edge, and the melted cheese will add extra indulgence.
- Pair with the Sauce: Offer the tangy yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. The creaminess and slight tartness of the sauce will perfectly complement the rich, cheesy focaccia.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Garnish your focaccia with fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or extra chives to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor.
- Accompaniments: Serve alongside a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Serving Size: Serves 8
This zucchini focaccia recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty vegetables and comforting flavors. The combination of crispy edges, tender vegetables, and gooey cheese is sure to make this dish a favorite at any gathering or family meal. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while indulging in a
