SAVORY ZUCCHINI BREAD WITH ITALIAN SEASONINGS

SAVORY ZUCCHINI BREAD WITH ITALIAN SEASONINGS image

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 11

325 grams zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour - all-purpose
1 tablespoon sugar - granulated
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon paprika
3 large eggs
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1 sprigs thyme - fresh stems removed and leaves minced
3 oz Cheddar cheese cut into 1/4 inch cubes

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175C). Spread a thin layer of olive oil evenly onto every inner surface of a standard 9"x5" loaf pan. Dust with flour to coat evenly. Or line the pan with parchment paper. Remove the ends of the zucchini, then shred it into a colander using the large side of a box grater. Add the salt and toss to distribute evenly. Leave the colander in the sink or over a bowl and allow the excess water to drain from the zucchini for at least 15 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and paprika together. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil and water together until the mixture has emulsified (combined) and it's light and frothy. Add the drained zucchini and thyme in with the egg mixture and stir to combine. Dump the egg mixture into the flour mixture and use a spatula to fold everything together until the mixture is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter or the bread will become tough. Spread half the batter into your prepared loaf pan then add half the cheese. Add the rest of the batter and smooth off the top. Stick the remaining cheese on top, and then place the pan in the oven. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean (about 45 minutes in a convection oven). When the zucchini bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, and then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.