Mild and Simple Zucchini Curry

This vegetarian zucchini curry with roasted spices and chilies is for lovers of daring and spicy dishes. This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe is simple to organize and is prepared in underneath an hour! Better of all, it’s simply 2 factors per serving.  

This recipe is flexible and makes use of greens and condiments accessible in most pantries. Collectively, and nicely mixed, they supply that beautiful and extremely spiced curry taste that leaves you wanting to maintain consuming till there’s nothing left on the plate.

Why do you have to attempt Zucchini Curry?

This curry embodies the frugal philosophy of Indian delicacies. With reasonably priced components like zucchini, onion, tomato, tomato paste, yogurt, and an array of spices, you’ll create an unimaginable taste with out breaking the financial institution.

For Weight Watchers, this recipe is a godsend. It’s one of many lowest-point dishes in my repertoire. For those who’ve overindulged earlier within the day and want a satisfying meal to shut out your factors, a bowl of zucchini curry is your reply.

Customization is vital with this recipe. For those who’re new to spicy or closely spiced meals, you possibly can simply regulate the seasonings to fit your palate.

Preparation time: quarter-hour

Cooking time: half-hour

Servings: 4

Serving dimension: 1 ½ cup (275 g)

2 WW Factors Per Serving. You possibly can view the recipe on the WW App right here. (WW login required.)

Components:

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (2 g)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder (6 g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (2 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (0.5 g)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1 cup or 150 g)
• 2 inexperienced chilies, finely chopped (2 tablespoons or 30 g)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (1 cup or 180 g)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30 g)
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced (4 cups or 480 g)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (120 ml)

Directions:

1. Toast the spices: In a big, dry skillet over medium warmth, add the cumin seeds, curry powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toast for about 1-2 minutes, stirring consistently, till the spices turn into aromatic. Watch out to not burn them. This course of helps to launch the oils within the spices, intensifying their flavors.
2. Add oil: As soon as the spices are toasted, add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Swirl the pan to coat the underside evenly with the oil and spice combination.
3. Saute the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, till the onion turns golden brown and translucent. 
4. Add the chopped inexperienced chilies to the skillet. Prepare dinner for one more 1-2 minutes, permitting their warmth to infuse into the oil.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir nicely to mix all components. Prepare dinner for about 5 minutes, stirring often, till the tomatoes begin to break down and type a thick sauce.
6. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Stir to coat the zucchini evenly with the spice and tomato combination. Cowl the skillet and let it simmer on medium-low warmth for about 10-12 minutes, or till the zucchini is tender however nonetheless holds its form. Stir often to forestall sticking.
7. Let cook dinner a bit: As soon as the zucchini is cooked, take away the skillet from the warmth. Let it cool for a minute or two.
8. Gently stir within the yogurt. The yogurt provides a creamy texture and helps steadiness the spices. Watch out to not overmix, as you wish to keep some texture within the curry.
9. Style and regulate seasoning if essential. You could wish to add a bit of extra salt or spices in accordance with your desire.

Notes:

1. To make a small batch of selfmade garlic-ginger paste, begin with 2 ounces (56g) of peeled garlic cloves and a couple of ounces (56g) of recent ginger root, peeled and roughly chopped. Place each in a small meals processor or blender. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of impartial oil, resembling vegetable or canola oil. Mix till you obtain a easy paste, scraping down the perimeters as wanted. If the combination is just too thick, add a bit of extra oil, one teaspoon at a time.
2. Serve scorching, garnished with recent cilantro if desired. This curry pairs nicely with rice, naan bread, or may be loved by itself for a lighter meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• For a vegan model, swap out the yogurt for coconut milk or cream. A few tablespoons are sufficient to maintain the Weight Watchers factors in verify.
• No curry powder? Make your individual spice mix. Combine turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and a pinch of cinnamon. Regulate the ratios to your liking, and don’t overlook so as to add some warmth with cayenne or purple chili powder.
• For those who like, add extra greens. Bell peppers and broccoli work notably nicely on this curry.
• For a touch of coconut taste that compliments the curry fantastically, add a contact of coconut oil.

Suggestions and Tips for Making Zucchini Curry

1. Create your individual spice mix: I typically combine spices on a plate, tasting and adjusting as I’m going. This permits me to tailor the flavour to my desire.
2. Reduce your zucchini into uniform items to make sure even cooking. Purpose for bite-sized chunks that can cook dinner by way of with out turning into mushy.
3. Don’t skip the step of sautéing your onions till they’re golden brown.
4. For those who choose a thicker curry, let it simmer uncovered for a number of further minutes. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
5. End your curry with a squeeze of recent lemon juice simply earlier than serving. This brightens the flavors.

Keep in mind, the important thing to a fantastic curry is balancing flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your individual. Completely happy cooking!