The addition of grated zucchini creates the moist, tender texture of this savory quick bread.
Flavored with basil pesto, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, scallions and tangy buttermilk, it can be served as is or lightly toasted with a little butter.
Savory Pesto-Zucchini Bread
Flavored with basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, this savory zucchini bread is easy to make and a refreshing change from the sweet variety.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb zucchini, coarsely grated (see notes)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons [basil pesto]
- 2 scallions, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter 2 loaf pans (9 x 5 x 3-inches).
- Wrap the grated zucchini in a double thickness of cheesecloth and wring out the excess liquid (see notes below). Place in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, olive oil and pesto together until well blended. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Add the wet ingredients, zucchini and scallions and mix until well blended.
- Note: The mixture will be stiff – more like a dough than a batter.
- Divide between the prepared loaf pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes.
- Cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks.
Recipe Notes
About the zucchini:
A half-pound (8 ounces) of zucchini should yield about 1-1/2 cups grated. For best results, use the largest holes on a box grater. Once you squeeze out the majority of the excess liquid, you should be left with about 1 cup.Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Savory Pesto-Zucchini Bread
Amount per Serving
Calories
105
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Cholesterol
17
mg
6
%
Sodium
241
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
14
g
5
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Anna says
This is incredibly tasty, excellent as garnishing for grilled meat with a little yoghurt dip. I can imagine it with soups, as well. It’s indeed savory, with such well-balanced, heartwarming, yet enticing flavors. Definitely a keeper, thank you!