Sauteed Zucchini And Onions
A savory and slightly sweet dish combining sautéed zucchini and onions with a rich pumpkin-flavored batter, perfect for comforting meals or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, unpeeled and sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine or light vegetable oil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 c. firmly packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 c. canned pumpkin ⓘ
- 1/3 c. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine sliced zucchini, chopped onion, margarine or oil, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs with a mixer at medium-high speed for 2 minutes.
- Add light brown sugar and granulated sugar; beat until well combined.
- Beat in pumpkin, melted butter, and juice until blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients at low speed, mixing only until blended.
- Fold in the sautéed zucchini and onions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute margarine with olive oil or use a cooking spray to reduce fat. You can also swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If zucchini is not available, try using yellow squash instead. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile, similar to what you would find in Enriched Oatmeal Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Serve it warm as a side dish or as a main course for lunch. For a unique twist, try topping it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This recipe is perfect for those looking for comforting vegetarian recipes that are both delicious and satisfying.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sautéed zucchini and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute. This dish can also be frozen for up to two months, but be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauteed Zucchini And Onions contains roughly 412 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value) and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1310mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before sautéing. Fresh zucchini tends to have a better texture, but frozen can work in a pinch, especially when baked into the loaf.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the baking powder you use is gluten-free as well. This allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the flavors without compromising texture.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the zucchini and onion?
Consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an extra flavor boost. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or you might try incorporating cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a creamier texture and richer taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).