Super moist with a rich flavor-this is the perfect way to use up this delicious summer squash.
Ingredients
2cups10 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour
1poundzucchini, washed and dried, ends and stems removed, cut in half lengthwise and seeded, cut each half in 1-inch pieces.
3/4cupsugar, divided
1/2cuppecans or walnuts, chopped coarse
1teaspoonbaking soda
1teaspoonbaking powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/4cupplain yogurt
2large eggs, lightly beaten
1tablespoonjuice from 1 lemon
6tablespoonsunsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions
Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 X 5 inch loaf pan; dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
If using a food processor: process zucchini and 2 tablespoons of sugar until zucchini is coarsely shredded. Transfer the mixture to a fine-mesh strainer and let sit 2 inches over a bowl and allow to drain for 30 minutes. If using a box grater: do not cut zucchini into 1-inch pieces, instead, shred the halved zucchini on the large holes of a box grater, toss with 2 tablespoons of sugar and transfer the mixture to a fine-mesh strainer and let sit 2 inches over a bowl and allow to drain for 30 minutes.
Spread the nuts onto a baking sheet and place in preheated oven 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Shake the baking sheet halfway through baking so the nuts will toast evenly. Remove nuts from oven and set aside to cool completely. Turn the oven up to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cooled nuts. Whisk until combined and set aside.
Whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and melted butter until combined. Set aside.
After the zucchini has drained, squeeze the zucchini with several layers of paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Stir the zucchini and the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture until just moistened. Do not over stir. Scrape batter into the prepared pan and smooth surface with a spatula.
Bake in preheated oven 55-60 minutes until golden brown or toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack. Cool for at least 1 our before serving. Store leftovers at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap.