Savory Zucchini and Cheddar Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 80 ml milk
- 80 ml olive oil
- 300 g flour (all-purpose)
- 120 g cheddar cheese (grated)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 200 g zucchini (grated)
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Steps:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
- Start by washing and grating the zucchini. Once grated, place the zucchini in a colander and sprinkle a little salt over it. This helps draw out excess water from the zucchini.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then squeeze the zucchini with your hands or use a clean cloth to remove as much moisture as possible. This step ensures your bread doesn’t turn out soggy.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly.
- Add the milk and olive oil to the eggs and whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Stir until well-mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a thick, smooth batter forms.
4. Add the Cheese and Zucchini:
- Once your batter is smooth, fold in the grated cheddar cheese and the grated, squeezed zucchini.
- Stir the mixture until the zucchini and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a loaf pan with olive oil, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes. The bread should develop a golden-brown crust, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with butter, cream cheese, or a savory spread.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice – Approximate, depending on the serving size):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 12% of daily value
- Iron: 6% of daily value