Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip

Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip: A Fresh and Flavorful Bite-Sized Delight

Looking for a unique and healthy appetizer or snack that will impress your guests? Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip are the perfect solution! These crispy, tender zucchini chops are light, flavorful, and pair beautifully with a creamy, zesty garlic-dill dip that will have everyone asking for more.

This dish is not only simple to make but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Zucchini, with its mild flavor and satisfying texture, makes an excellent base for this dish, and the homemade garlic-dill dip takes it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as an afternoon snack, or as part of a healthy dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip

1. Healthy and Light: Zucchini is naturally low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for those looking for a light, nutritious snack. These zucchini chops are a guilt-free way to indulge in a crispy treat.
2. Crispy and Tender: The zucchini chops are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, providing the best of both textures. The breading gives them that satisfying crunch, while the zucchini inside remains soft and juicy.
3. Flavor-Packed Dip: The garlic-dill dip is creamy, tangy, and full of fresh flavors that complement the zucchini perfectly. It’s a quick and easy dip to whip up, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
4. Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Option: This dish can easily be made vegetarian and gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a dairy-free dip option, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Zucchini Chops:
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a non-vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs (or 1/4 cup chickpea flour for a vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup flour (use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
  • Olive oil for pan-frying
• For the Garlic-Dill Dip:
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan mayo for a dairy-free version)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Chops

1. Slice the zucchini: Cut the zucchinis into 1-inch thick rounds. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help them crisp up better when frying.
2. Set up your breading station:
   • In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs (or chickpea flour) with a tablespoon of water.
   • In a second shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • In a third shallow bowl, place the flour.
3. Coat the zucchini:
   • First, dip each zucchini slice in the flour, coating it evenly.
   • Next, dip it into the egg mixture (or chickpea flour mixture), ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Finally, press the zucchini into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s coated well on all sides.
4. Fry the zucchini chops:
   • Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer.
   • Fry the zucchini chops for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
   • Remove the zucchini chops from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Garlic-Dill Dip

1. Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
2. Season: Taste the dip and add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the zucchini chops: Arrange the crispy zucchini chops on a platter, and serve them alongside the garlic-dill dip for dipping.
2. Optional garnish: For an extra touch, garnish the dip with a few sprigs of fresh dill or a light squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip

1. Get creative with seasonings: While this recipe calls for oregano and garlic powder, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, or onion powder to suit your taste preferences.
2. Bake instead of fry: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the zucchini chops instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy.
3. Make ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the zucchini chops and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. This helps the breading set better and results in a crunchier texture when fried.
4. Vegan and gluten-free options: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the eggs with chickpea flour and use a plant-based yogurt and mayo for the dip. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and chickpea flour.
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