Zucchini – The versatile vegetable!

 

All hail the Zucchini!!

You would be surprised with how many nutrients are packed with in Zucchinis.

Here are few things you may not know about this vegetable and why you should incorporate it more into your diet:

• Zucchini is one of the very low calorie vegetables; Providing only 17 calories per 100 grams.
• It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.
• It is a very good source of potassium, Vitamin A, Magnesium, Folate, Copper, Phosphorus, Manganese and Vitamin C
• It has a high water content and is rich in fiber. So, when you eat zucchini, your stomach is not empty and you are left feeling full.

Some of you might say, “But I don’t like zucchini!”

When you think of eating zucchini what do you think of? Usually, steamed with other vegetables? Boring!

Zucchinis have got to be one the most versatile vegetables! Did you know you can make Zucchini Noodles (aka Zoodles), Zucchini Chips (Zips?), Zucchini Fritters, Zucchini Muffins, Zucchini Brownies, Zucchini Porridge, even?!

Didn’t know that?? There are many websites that contain HUNDREDS if not THOUSANDS of recipes that incorporate this wonderful vegetable!

Here’s one if you have a sweet tooth 😉

Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients:

2 zucchinis

3 eggs

1 cup coconut flour

~1/4 tsp baking soda

~1/2 tsp cream of tartar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Dash of cardamom

Pinch of salt

Stevia to taste

1/4 cup cacao powder

Chocolate Chips – sweetened with Stevia (or any low sugar chip you like)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 180°
• Rinse and grate your zucchini
• Sift coconut flour and mix with salt, stevia, spices, and baking soda/cream of tartar.
• In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and fold into grated zucchini. Mix evenly.
• Fold in dry ingredients and mix evenly. If the batter is too dry (coconut flour absorbs liquids very well) add in the appropriate amount of water.
• Add chocolate chips of your choice and add them into the mix.
• Take a 20cm x 20cm pan and grease the bottom and sides with coconut oil. Evenly spread your batter.
• Option: You can sprinkle fine coconut flakes on top for decoration.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or till the center is set.

Once your brownies are finished, let them cool before you cut them. Cut in half till you get 16 servings. Once completely cool, cover and store in the fridge to preserve freshness.