Qalye Kadu - Chunky Zucchini Dip from Iran

If you can't pronounce that name of the dip don't look at me coz I can't say it too.This is again a dip/puree/spread adapted from Madhur Jaffrey's World Vegetarian and the recipe source is Niloofar Haeri.This is  a nice way of using up zucchini or courgette and is mildly spiced side or even works out as a sandwich spread.

Ingredients:
Olive Oil: 1-2 tbsp

Onion: 1 medium size (4 tbsp) finely chopped
Garlic: 1 -2 small cloves minced
Turmeric Powder: 1/4 tsp +/-

Zucchini: about 2 + cups peeled and  diced into small piecs
Salt: as per taste

Tomato Puree: 1 -2 tsp
Cumin Powder: 1/2 tsp +/ -
Cayenne Pepper: 1 pinch or as per taste
Pepper: as per taste

Preparation:

Heat oil in a saute pan over medium high. Add in finely chopped onion and garlic and stir fry till the onions are soft and transparent. Reduce to a simmer while cooking so that they do not brown. Add in the turmeric powder and stir so that the onions turn yellowy. Remove one third of the onions and keep aside to be mixed later.

To the remaining onions, add diced zucchini and salt and allow it to sweat on medium heat. Once they start releasing water ,reduce to simmer, cover and let it get cooked till soft.

Remove the cover, add in the powdered cumin,cayenne pepper,black pepper and tomato puree and mix well. With a masher or hand/immersion  blender try to mash the mix chunkily while continuing cook for another minute or so. Fold int he remaining onions and mix well.

Serve as a spread or dip with veggies/chips either warm or room temp or even chilled. I prefer warm/room temp.

The quantity is very less and is sufficient for 1 person alone. So double or triple the recipe as you prefer as the recipe is spot on. The crunch of the zucchini and onions and also the thickness given by the mashed onions along with the comforting spices makes it a hearty dip/spread.