Baked zucchini with cheese and seeds

Baked zucchini with cheese and seeds: a healthy and delicious recipe

If you are looking for a quick and healthy recipe that brings a smile to the faces of your loved ones, baked zucchini with cheese and seeds is the perfect choice! This dish is not only an explosion of flavors but also an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your daily diet. Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a versatile ingredient, rich in nutrients and low in calories, making it ideal for all ages.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 4 zucchinis (approximately 500 g)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon herbs (you can use oregano, basil, rosemary, or a mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 150 g cheese (you can choose feta, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese, depending on your preference)
- Flax and sesame seeds (or any other seeds you prefer: pumpkin, sunflower)

Preparing the Zucchini

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190 °C. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the zucchinis.

2. Washing and cutting the zucchini: Wash the zucchinis well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Cut off the ends of the zucchinis, then cut them in half lengthwise. This shape will allow for easy filling with cheese and seeds.

3. Preparing the tray: Take a sheet of aluminum foil and place each half of the zucchini cut side down. This will help retain the zucchini's natural juices.

The Spice Mix

4. Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. This mix will add a savory flavor to the zucchinis.

5. Brushing the zucchini: Use a kitchen brush or simply a spoon to brush each half of the zucchini with the oil and herb mixture. Make sure they are evenly coated to maximize flavor.

Baking

6. Wrapping in foil: Wrap the aluminum foil around the zucchinis to form a tight package. This will help the zucchinis bake in their own juices, keeping them tender.

7. Placing in the oven: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the zucchinis bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a fork; it should easily pierce the vegetables.

Adding cheese and seeds

8. Adding the cheese: Once the zucchinis are baked, carefully open the foil (watch out for steam) and place slices of cheese on top of each half of the zucchini while they are still hot. The heat will melt the cheese, giving it a creamy texture.

9. Sprinkling the seeds: Finally, sprinkle the flax and sesame seeds over the cheese. These not only enrich the dish with nutrients but also add a crunchy texture.

Serving

Baked zucchini with cheese and seeds can be served warm or cold, making them ideal for a light lunch or a quick dinner. You can pair them with a fresh salad or serve them as a side dish with steak. They are also perfect for including in children's lunch boxes, as they have a delicious taste and an appealing presentation.

Helpful tips

- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese: feta cheese offers a salty taste, while mozzarella melts beautifully and provides a soft texture. If you want a stronger flavor, choose cheddar cheese.
- Seeds: You can add any type of seeds you have on hand. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds are excellent for an extra crunch.
- Herbs: Instead of Provence herbs, you can use fresh garden herbs, such as basil or dill, to add a personal touch.

Nutritional benefits

Zucchini are an excellent source of vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system. They are also low in calories, with only about 17 calories per 100 g, making them an ideal food for diets. Cheese adds protein and calcium, while seeds provide essential fatty acids and fiber.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen zucchini?: It is recommended to use fresh zucchini for the best texture and flavor. Frozen zucchini may have a softer texture.
- What other vegetables can I add?: You can add slices of tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra splash of color and flavor.
- How can I store leftovers?: Baked zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

I hope this recipe for baked zucchini with cheese and seeds brings you joy in the kitchen and becomes a family favorite! Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones and let us know how it turned out! Enjoy!