When it comes to discussing Australia's quintessential national dish, debates often spark about various contenders like roast lamb, green chicken curry, or a barramundi burger. However, amidst all these culinary debates, one dish stands out as the true emblem of Aussie home cooking - the beloved zucchini slice.
While traditional favorites may find their way onto restaurant menus, the zucchini slice remains exclusive to homemade meals, effortlessly fitting into lunch boxes, dinner tables, and even party canapés. Renowned as the top recipe on taste.com.au, the zucchini slice embodies simplicity, flavor, and versatility in every bite.
Exploring the allure of this zucchini slice, we unveil the reasons behind its popularity and why it has secured a special place in the hearts of home cooks nationwide.
The Perfect Zucchini Slice Recipe
Among the myriad zucchini slice recipes tested and tasted over the years, one particular rendition has emerged as a favorite - the creation of Artarmon Public School in Sydney. Garnering acclaim from over 1,000 reviewers and winning over taste buds of discerning school kids and food critics, this version of the zucchini slice strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What makes this zucchini slice exceptional are its key ingredients, each contributing to the dish's overall appeal and success as a family-favorite meal.
Essential Components of the Zucchini Slice:
1. Eggs: With a generous inclusion of 5 eggs, this zucchini slice recipe not only binds the ingredients together but also provides a rich source of protein essential for a wholesome meal.
2. Flour: Adding a cup of self-raising flour elevates the slice's texture, lending a light and fluffy consistency that distinguishes it from denser counterparts like quiches or omelettes.
3. Zucchini: Being the star ingredient, approximately 4 medium-large zucchinis form the heart of the dish, infusing it with a fresh and vibrant flavor profile. To prevent excess moisture, gently squeeze grated zucchini before mixing it in the batter.
4. Onion: While a brown onion is the standard choice, opting for a red onion can enhance the slice's flavor profile, adding an extra dimension to each bite.
5. Bacon: Contributing a savory and salty touch, bacon plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall taste of the zucchini slice. For vegetarian alternatives, plant-based 'bacon' can be utilized with equally satisfying results.
6. Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar cheese imparts a rich and indulgent character to the slice, making it irresistibly moreish. For cost-effective options, using a block of cheese and grating it fresh is recommended.
7. Vegetable Oil: Ensuring the slice remains moist and flavorsome, the addition of vegetable oil guarantees a delightful texture that keeps the dish from drying out quickly.
In conclusion, the zucchini slice recipe stands as a testament to the culinary prowess of Australian home cooks, embodying a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and nutritional balance. With its humble yet versatile nature, this iconic dish continues to reign supreme as a staple in households across the country, proving that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most cherished.
Tips for creating the perfect zucchini slice
To achieve the best possible outcome with this zucchini slice recipe, it's essential to pay attention to some key details. Over time, with numerous renditions of this recipe under our belts, we've honed in on certain practices that consistently yield excellent results. One crucial step is to thoroughly drain the excess moisture from the grated zucchini before incorporating it into the mixture. This practice helps prevent the final slice from turning out overly moist or heavy. For additional foolproof suggestions on optimizing this dish, refer to the notes provided at the end of the recipe.
Variety in zucchini slices
Looking to branch out from the classic zucchini slice? Our vegetarian zucchini slice variation offers a delightful meat-free alternative. For those keen on exploring diverse flavors and ingredients, our assortment of zucchini slice recipes with innovative twists can provide inspiration and fresh culinary experiences.
The original foundation for this zucchini slice recipe was laid by Artamon Public School, but since then, it has been refined, modified, and put through its paces to ensure optimal taste and texture.
Our Go-To Zucchini Slice Recipe:
Ingredients:
- - 5 Coles Australian Free Range Eggs
- - 150g (1 cup) Coles White Self Raising Flour, sifted
- - 375g zucchini, grated
- - 1 large onion, finely chopped
- - 200g rindless bacon, chopped
- - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- - 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 170C.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Add the flour and continue beating until a smooth mixture forms. Incorporate the zucchini, onion, bacon, cheese, and oil into the bowl, mixing thoroughly.
3. Grease and line a 30 x 20cm lamington pan. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until fully cooked through.
