Chef John's Zucchini Bread
Description
Chef John transforms zucchini into beautiful, delicious bread loaves that are quick and easy to make using warm spices and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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4 cups grated zucchini
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1 pinch cayenne pepper
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1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
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2 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups white sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously butter two loaf pans.
2
Mix kosher salt into zucchini and let sit for 10 minutes. Transfer to a strainer and rinse very thoroughly under cold water to remove salt. Let drain for 15 to 20 minutes before using.
3
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and nutmeg together in a mixing bowl. Reserve until needed.
4
Combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla in another large mixing bowl, and whisk until mixture is smooth and turns a pale yellow, about 1 minute. Grab a handful of the drained zucchini with both hands and squeeze out any excess water before transferring into the egg-sugar mixture. Repeat until all the zucchini has been transferred in.
5
Pour in melted butter and stir until combined. Stir walnuts into the batter, followed by the flour mixture. Use a spatula to mix until the flour disappears.
6
Transfer into the prepared loaf pans. Tap pans on the countertop to settle the batter.
7
Bake in the center of the preheated oven until golden brown on top and a skewer poked in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, and then turn out on to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.