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    Home » Turkish Recipes

    Turkish Zucchini Stew Recipe

    Published: Sep 24, 2021 · Modified: Jul 21, 2022 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    142 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This Turkish zucchini stew is hearty, healthy and so easy to make. It's made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes.

    overhead shot of zucchini stew topped with yogurt.

    Vegetables are a big part of Turkish cuisine and they are incorporated into dishes in creative ways. Vegetarian dishes such as Turkish braised leeks, red lentil soup and this zucchini stew are very popular. Like many other Mediterranean recipes, this recipe calls for wholesome ingredients and is very easy to make.

    Table Of Contents:
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Serving suggestion
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Freezing zucchini stew
    • More Turkish recipes
    • Step-by-Step Recipe

    Why this recipe works

    A well known category in Turkish cuisine is zeytinyağlı yemekler which translates to dishes made with olive oil. This zucchini stew, also known as kabak yemegi is a recipe from this category that many love. Just like our favorite Turkish chicken stew, this dish is loved by many and there are good reasons for it:

    • Quick: This dish is ready in 30 minutes and most of it is hands-off.
    • Vegetarian: If you're following a vegetarian diet, this would be a filling dish for lunch or dinner. If you're interested in vegetarian recipes with zucchini, make sure to check out our zucchini fritters as well.
    • Flavors: While this might seem like a simple zucchini recipe, it's full of flavor thanks to spices and vegetables.
    • Healthy: everything is cooked in a good amount of olive oil which make it very hearty and good for you. Similar to fasolakia (Greek green beans), this zucchini stew is a vegetable based dish that can be served as a main or side dish.
    close up shot of stewed zucchini topped with yogurt.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    • Olive oil: Quality extra virgin olive oil works best for this recipe.
    • Zucchini: You can use green or yellow zucchini for this recipe. You don't need to peel the zucchini therefore make sure to wash it thoroughly.
    • Tomato paste: Because tomato paste is pretty concentrated, you only need a tablespoon of it for this recipe.
    • Rice: Medium grain rice works best here but if it's not available, you can use basmati rice.

    Instructions

    saute onion and garlic add tomato paste, zucchini and rice and water. Cook and serve with yogurt.
    1. Cut the zucchini into half moons and set aside.
    2. Sauté onion and garlic in some olive oil over medium heat.
    3. Add in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes so it releases its color and aroma.
    4. Add in the zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.
    5. Rinse the rice and add it to the zucchini. Add in the spices and water. Bring it to a low simmer, cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

    Serving suggestion

    Turkish zucchini stew is usually served with a dollop of plain yogurt (try our homemade yogurt) and some herbs. You can try making yogurt at home using your instant pot. This zucchini stew can also be served as a side dish with grilled zaatar chicken, baked cod or beef shish kabob.

    If serving stewed zucchini as a main dish, serve it with a side of tomato salad, Greek salad or Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I add meat to zucchini stew?

    Yes, you can add ground beef or chunks of chicken breast to this recipe. If doing so, brown the beef or chicken with the onion before adding the tomato paste, then proceed with the recipe.

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make this recipe up to a day ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

    What to do with the leftovers?

    This dish keeps well in the fridge. Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

    Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

    You can add chopped tomatoes to this dish with the zucchini. I don't recommend adding any other vegetables because the beauty of this dish is in its simplicity.

    turkish stew with zucchini topped with yogurt and dried mint.

    Freezing zucchini stew

    Store the zucchini stew in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it directly in a pot and heat over medium until it's simmering.

    More Turkish recipes

    • Baklava Recipe
    • sauteed spinach Turkish style topped with yogurt and Aleppo pepper.
      Turkish Sauteed Spinach Recipe
    • Turkish Braised Leeks Recipe (Zeytinyağlı Pırasa)
    • smoky eggplant dip Turkish style on a wooden backdrop.
      Turkish Smoky Eggplant Salad Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Turkish Zucchini Stew Recipe

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    This Turkish zucchini stew is hearty, healthy and so easy to make. It's made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Turkish
    Servings 4
    Calories 206 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 zucchinis
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 1 large onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tbsp tomato paste
    • ½ cup medium grain rice
    • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ tsp pepper
    • 2 cups water

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the zucchini and cut it into half moons.
    • Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
    • Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
    • Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute. Add in the zucchini and give it a good stir.
    • Rinse the rice under running water a few times.
    • Add the rice, salt and pepper. Add the water and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is cooked.
    • Top with yogurt and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • You can serve zucchini stew as a main dish with a side of salad or some bread. 
    • Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. 
    • To freeze, place the stew in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight or place it in a pot and heat over medium heat. 
    • You can add chopped tomato to this dish as well. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 629mgPotassium: 383mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 259IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
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    142 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nicole Plant

      September 19, 2022 at 9:00 am

      Spices are mentioned, but I can't see these in the ingredients list. Which do you you use?

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        September 19, 2022 at 11:01 am

        We use Aleppo pepper, salt and black pepper. You can also add cumin, but it's optional.

        Reply
    2. Jennifer Anne Uzunoglu

      August 02, 2022 at 1:31 am

      Can you use marrow instead of zucchini?

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        August 02, 2022 at 9:58 am

        You can use almost any kind of squash, however, flavor and cooking time would vary.

        Reply
    3. Angela

      October 13, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! Easy to make and super flavorful. Great way to use up all my zucchini too!

      Reply
    4. Mirlene

      October 13, 2021 at 5:07 pm

      5 stars
      Loving the savory flavors in this Turkish Stew. It's a great way to have more veggies using the zucchinis too!

      Reply
    5. Biana

      October 13, 2021 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      This stew looks healthy and so delicious! A great to use up some zucchini.

      Reply
    6. Amanda Dixon

      October 13, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe makes such a quick and easy soup! It was super warming, and I love how healthy it is. I'll definitely make this again.

      Reply
    7. Cathleen

      October 13, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is my dream stew right here!! I am definitely going to try this over the weekend, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

      Reply
    8. Leticia

      September 29, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious. I added some Urfa Biber for a little kick. Will make this again!

      Reply

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    142 shares