Cretan Style Zucchini Peeling Recipe

Cretan Style Zucchini Peeling

Cretan Style Stuffed Zucchini, one of the lightest and most special dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine, is originally made with Cretan squash. It is usually flavored with fresh dill or fresh mint. Unlike other pumpkin dishes, it is served with fresh lemon juice, not yoghurt. Bon appetit!

In a Nutshell:

Ingredients:

For: 4 People
Prep: 30 Min
Cook: 15 Min
Zucchini (Cretan) 4   Qty
Rice 1/2   Cup
Fresh Onion 5   Sprig
Dry Onion 1   Qty
Dill 1/2   Bunch
Olive Oil (Riviera) 1   Half Cup
Lemon Juice (Fresh-squeezed) 1   Qty

Steps:

  1. Wash the zucchinis and remove their outer shells. Wash the dill and remove its stems.
  2. Peel the spring onions and 1/2 white onion and chop them finely. Dry the dill and chop it finely.
  3. Scrape the zucchinis with a vegetable peeler and cut them thinly. Pour 1 teaspoon of salt over them and mix. Set it aside and let it rest.
  4. Rinse the rice and add boiling water to cover it. Leave it for 10-15 minutes to swell and release its starch.
  5. Add 1/2 tea glass of olive oil to a shallow pan and heat it. Add the onions and sauté until they turn pink.
  6. Rinse the rice and add it to the pot. After frying it with the onions for 1-2 minutes, add 1 glass of hot water and lemon juice and put it on low heat. Close the lid and cook until the rice absorbs its water.
  7. When the rice absorbs the water, add the zucchinis and stir together. Close the lid and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Zucchinis should remain slightly firm.
  8. Add half of the finely chopped dill to the food when it is almost cooked and mix. Remove it from the heat before it wilts too much. Leave it in its own pot with the lid closed until it cools down. Then put it in the refrigerator.
  9. Place your cooled meal on a serving plate and sprinkle the remaining dill on top. Serve cold with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and lemon juice if desired. Enjoy your meal!

We have other recipes with the ingredients used here. Would you like to have a look?

Benefits of Ingredients in Cretan Style Zucchini Peeling

Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.

  • Zucchini: Zucchini (kabak) is rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C for immunity, and potassium, benefiting heart and digestive health. It also contains powerful antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, crucial for eye health. Low in calories and high in water, it's ideal for healthy diets. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt, garlic, dill, and olive oil.
  • Rice: Rice is a global staple food. It provides sustained energy due to complex carbohydrates, supports metabolism with B vitamins, and is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivity. Especially brown rice contributes to digestive health with its fiber content. It pairs excellently with legumes like lentils and chickpeas, vegetables, and various meats. It is an indispensable part of healthy and satisfying meals.
  • Fresh Onion: Spring onion, a low-calorie vegetable, is a rich source of vitamins K and C. It supports bone health, aids blood clotting, and boosts the immune system. Its antioxidants protect the body against free radicals. Its fibrous nature supports digestion. It adds a refreshing flavor, especially in salads, omelets, soups, traditional Turkish dishes like 'cacık' and 'piyaz,' and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and fish.
  • Dry Onion: Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.

  • Dill: Dill is an aromatic herb frequently used in kitchens, rich in vitamins A and C, and various minerals. It is known for its digestive support, carminative (gas-reducing), and antioxidant properties. It also contains calcium, which can contribute to bone health. It adds a fresh touch to salads, cacık (yogurt dip), olive oil dishes, and fish meals.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil, especially in its extra virgin form, is a powerful source of health benefits due to its high content of polyphenol antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid). It supports heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces inflammation in the body, prevents cell damage, and provides protection against chronic diseases. It supports the digestive system and contributes to skin health. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with salads, vegetable dishes, fish, legumes, and fresh bread.
  • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice, rich in Vitamin C, boosts immunity and supports collagen synthesis for skin health. Its citrate content may help prevent kidney stone formation. A natural antioxidant, it reduces inflammation. It aids digestion by stimulating liver bile production. Added to water, it offers a detoxifying effect. Pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, salads, soups, marinades, and desserts, adding a refreshing and flavorful touch.

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