Zucchini Slice

Zucchini slice is a versatile, quick, and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal, snack, or lunchbox staple. Packed with zucchini and other wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and fuss-free dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis (grated)
• 1 large carrot (grated)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 cup of self-raising flour
• 5 large eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional add-ins: diced bacon, chopped herbs (parsley, chives, or dill), or crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a rectangular baking dish (approximately 20×30 cm) with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Grate the zucchini and carrot. If the zucchini is particularly watery, squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Finely chop the onion.
3. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, carrot, onion, and cheese. Add the self-raising flour and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the vegetables and stir until well combined. If you’re adding extras like bacon or herbs, mix them in now.
5. Bake the slice: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the zucchini slice to cool slightly in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a snack: Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side.
• For lunch: Pair it with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread.
• In the lunchbox: Pack it for a nutritious school or work lunch that travels well.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
• Add protein: Include cooked and diced bacon, shredded chicken, or canned tuna for extra protein.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of curry powder for a flavor twist.
• Storage: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month; simply thaw and reheat before serving.

Zucchini slice is a true crowd-pleaser, combining simple ingredients to create a wholesome and flavorful dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or a snack to prep ahead, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy the goodness of zucchini in every bite!