Garam Masala Chocolate Zucchini Bread

So if you have a garden or know someone who does… or heck, ever go to the farmer’s market, chances are, you are practically swimming in zucchini by now. Am I right? Classic zucchini bread is good once or twice… but then, that starts to get a bit boring. What to do, what to do, what to do… I know, I know! Add some Indian spices to that classic quick bread. Since that’s the logical solution, obviously. 😉

Don’t run away now. Just think about it. Classic zucchini bread usually has sweet spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc., right? Well, what does garam masala have in it… ummm…. oh thanks Wikipedia… pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and sometimes other things like chiles, ginger, star anise, etc. See! Garam masala–a spice mixture–is just a fancied up mix of those familiar spices. And savory spices aren’t completely unfamiliar to baked goods. Have you forgotten about pfeffernusses?

If you like Indian flavors, I can guarantee that you’ll love this twist on classic zucchini bread. This version is just as quick and satisfying, and since it’s made with [some] whole wheat flour and applesauce instead of just white flour and oil, it’s a wee bit healthier too. Though truthfully, those health benefits are probably negated thanks to the chocolate portion of this bread. Oh well, the combination of those aromatic spices with the sweet chocolate just makes this bread even more utterly delicious than it could be otherwise. It’s the perfect summer treat and I hope you’ll give it a shot… even though it may sound a bit weird. Just don’t tell those who might freak out a bit about savory spices in quick bread… at least not before they give it a try! 🙂

Garam Masala Chocolate Zucchini Bread [adapted from allrecipes.com]
click to print

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour [250 grams]
• 1 cup whole wheat flour [120 grams]
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups grated unpeeled zucchini, pressed with paper towels to squeeze out extra water
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, cocoa powder, garam masala, baking soda, and baking powder. In a large bowl, beat eggs with whisk until fluffy. Then add zucchini, applesauce, and vanilla to eggs and whisk to combine wet ingredients.

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. Do not over mix. Fold in chocolate chips, then pour mixture into prepared pan.

Bake for 70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check on bread at 50 and 60 minutes, and cover with foil if bread is getting too dark.

Time: 75 minutes [15 minutes active].

Yield: 16 servings.