Spicy Jeera-Zucchini Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Indian-Inspired Vegetable Delight

This is a delicious and simple dish that combines the earthy flavors of cumin (jeera) with the mild, slightly sweet taste of zucchini. It’s a quick, healthy, and flavorful stir-fry that can be served as a side dish or a main course when paired with rice or flatbreads.

Ingredients:

– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds (jeera)
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon juice (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
– Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds.
– Thinly slice the onion and slit the green chilies.

2. Heat the Oil:
– In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

3. Add the Cumin Seeds:
– Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they become aromatic and slightly darker.

4. Sauté the Onion and Chilies:
– Add the sliced onion and slit green chilies to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and starts to turn golden brown.

5. Add the Zucchini:
– Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir well to coat the slices with the spiced oil.

6. Season the Vegetables:
– Sprinkle the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt over the zucchini. Stir well to ensure even coating.

7. Cook Until Tender:
– Cook the zucchini over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the slices are tender but still retain a slight crunch. This should take about 8-10 minutes.

8. Garnish and Serve:
– Once the zucchini is cooked to your desired level of tenderness, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

This Spicy Jeera-Zucchini Stir-Fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, Indian breads like roti or naan, or even as a topping for quinoa or salads. It can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!