Savory Zucchini Cornmeal Muffins

These savory zucchini cornmeal muffins are a delightful twist on the traditional sweet muffin, combining the earthiness of cornmeal with the subtle sweetness of zucchini. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty snack, these muffins are packed with flavor and satisfying texture. The addition of chili gives a slight heat, which pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy notes. The muffins are moist and tender inside with a slightly crisp outside, making for an irresistible bite. Using ingredients readily available in your pantry, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also wonderfully adaptable to various tastes. Whether you're a fan of spicy foods or prefer something milder, there are plenty of options to customize these muffins to your liking. Enjoy these muffins on their own, or pair them with your favorite dips or spreads. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this delightful, homemade treat. These muffins also freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you like. Let’s dive into creating these deliciously unique muffins!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 235 g cornmeal
• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2.5 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 150 g zucchini, grated
• 60 ml vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 375 ml kefir
• 3 tbsp grated cheese

Spices:

• 1 chili pepper or chili powder, to taste

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution of baking powder.

3. Prepare Zucchini: Wash and grate the zucchini into a separate bowl. Set aside any excess liquid. This will keep the batter from becoming too runny.

4. Chop Chili: Finely chop the chili pepper or use chili powder if preferred. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and kefir until smooth.

6. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

7. Incorporate Zucchini and Cheese: Gently fold in the grated zucchini, chopped chili, and grated cheese. Be careful not to overmix.

8. Prepare Baking Tray: Lightly grease muffin tins with oil or line with muffin papers.

9. Fill Moulds: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each about two-thirds full.

10. Bake the Muffins: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. They should be golden brown on top.

11. Cooling: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the tin for about 5 minutes.

12. Remove from Tin: After cooling, gently remove the muffins from the tray.

13. Cover with Towel: Lay a clean towel over the muffins to retain moisture as they cool completely.

14. Inspect Texture: Ensure that the muffins are firm yet soft to the touch.

15. Serve Warm or Cold: These muffins can be served warm with a bit of butter or enjoyed cold.

16. Freezing Option: For storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for several weeks.

17. Reheating Instructions: Reheat frozen muffins in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

18. Enjoy: These savory muffins are ideal at any time of day!

19. Enhance Flavor: Pair with herb butter or a tangy dip for added flavor.

20. Time to Taste: The combination of zucchini, spice, and cheese ensures each bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Tips

• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste. Remove seeds for less heat.
• Egg Substitute: For a vegetarian alternative, replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel.
• Cheese Variety: Try different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan to change the taste.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 150 per muffin
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 6 g
• Carbs: 20 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Option: Replace kefir with almond or soy milk and use a vegan cheese substitute.
• Extra Veggies: Add grated carrot or diced bell peppers for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

• Dips: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or herbed cream cheese.
• Soup Pairing: Perfect alongside a warm bowl of vegetable soup.
• Brunch: Add to a brunch spread with fresh fruit and a salad.

Best Places

• The Muffin Man Tea Shop - Famous for its wide variety of muffins and teas. Location: 12 Wrights Ln, Kensington, London, UK.
• Magnolia Bakery - Known for its homemade baked goods and classic treats. Location: 401 Bleecker Street, New York, NY, USA.
• The Muffinery Café - Offers a selection of innovative sweet and savory muffins. Location: 44 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Mimi's Bakehouse - Renowned for its cozy atmosphere and delicious bakes. Location: 63 Shore, Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Huxley’s Café - Praised for its muffins and coffee. Location: Hauptstrasse 123, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Cafe Muff - Specializes in artisanal muffins in a quaint setting. Location: Jln Sultan 34, Singapore.
• Bluebird Bakery - A local favorite for its fresh, delicious muffins. Location: 104 Baltimore St, Toronto, Canada.
• Muffin Hof - Offers a traditional German twist on muffins. Location: Franzenstieg 1, Berlin, Germany.
• Le Muffin Gourmand - Famous for its French-style pastries and muffins. Location: Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Bella's Bakery - Known for its creative and flavorful selection of muffins. Location: Piazza Navona 41, Rome, Italy.