Zucchini Ankara
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with Zucchini Ankara, a simple yet aromatic dish that combines tender zucchini with a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This Turkish-inspired recipe features the warm earthiness of cumin and paprika, a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes, and the freshness of chopped parsley, making it a perfect balance of bold and comforting flavors. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a one-pan cooking method, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals. Serve it as a hearty vegetarian main alongside crusty bread, rice, or bulgur, or enjoy it as a flavorful side dish. Bursting with fresh ingredients and warming spices, Zucchini Ankara is a healthy, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
Instructions
Wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Add the sliced zucchini to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini starts to soften and becomes lightly golden in spots.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve warm as a main dish with crusty bread, rice, or bulgur, or as a flavorful side dish to complement your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
188 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.2 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 634 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 4.1 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 820 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
