Kookoo Kadoo - Courgette / Zucchini Frittata

Kookoo Kadoo is a delightful Persian dish that exemplifies the rich and varied culinary traditions of Iran. This courgette frittata is a versatile and flavourful creation, perfect for any meal of the day.

Kookoo refers to dishes made of a mixture of ingredients that are then pan-fried, similar to a frittata. They have eggs as a base ingredient and can be served warm or at room temperature. Whether enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or a delightful snack, Kookoo Kadoo offers a glimpse into the vibrant flavours and textures that define Persian gastronomy.

Here is a short video of the cooking process on my Instagram.

You can download this recipe as a printable PDF for a small fee here.

Cook the most popular Persian dishes at home with the help of my e-book.

Time

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Total: 50 min

Ingredients for 4 portions

3 / 500g medium-sized zucchini (courgette), grated

1 1/2 cups / 50g fresh dill, roughly chopped

4 spring onions, finely sliced

3 free-range eggs

2 cloves garlic, finely grated

4 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil

2 tbsp plain flour

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Salt to taste

For the sandwich:

Bread of choice to serve (e.g. baguette, flatbread, gluten-free, wholegrain, …)

Salad leaves of choice

Cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Khiar shoor or gherkins or jalapenos

A mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce

Method

1. Sprinkle salt over the grated courgettes and set them aside for 15 minutes to release their moisture.

2. Firmly squeeze the grated courgettes with your hands to remove as much water as possible, then discard the excess liquid.

3. In a large bowl, combine the grated courgettes, chopped dill, sliced spring onions, grated garlic, eggs, spices, plain flour, and salt to taste (remember, the courgettes are already salty). Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

4. Heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan. Once hot, whisk the mixture in the bowl once more and transfer it to the pan.

5. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for about 10 minutes.

6. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Gently tap the mixture to check if it is firm. If it is, carefully lift it to see if the bottom is golden.

7. Quarter the Kookoo using a spatula and turn each piece using two spatulas.

8. Let the other side cook until golden, about 15 minutes, with the lid off.

9. Serve the Kookoo Kadoo with bread or fill sandwich baguettes with it. Add some cherry tomatoes, mayonnaise, finely chopped parsley, lettuce, herbs, and khiaar shoor (salty pickled cucumbers) if you like. Enjoy!

I’d love to see your Kookoo Kadoo! Feel free to tag me with @igotitfrommymaman on Facebook or Instagram so I can take a look and give you a thumbs up!

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