Greek zucchini

Greek Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the creamy and rich taste of cheese? This Greek stuffed zucchini recipe is an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for zucchini season. With a decent preparation time and simple ingredients, you will impress everyone with your culinary skills. So, let's begin our gastronomic journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 large zucchini (or 3-4 small zucchinis)
- 150 g feta cheese (or telemea/caciocavallo, as preferred)
- 200 ml sour cream
- 50 g butter
- 2 eggs
- 30 g flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs
- Fresh dill (optional, but recommended)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the zucchini: Start by washing the zucchini well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities. Then, cut it in half lengthwise and crosswise if it is large. If you have small zucchinis, you can leave them whole. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, adding a teaspoon of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the zucchinis. Cover the pot with a lid and let them boil for 10 minutes.

2. Draining the zucchini: After 10 minutes, remove the zucchinis from the water and place them cut side down in a strainer. It is important to let them drain well; you can apply slight pressure with your hand to speed up the process. Let them cool slightly.

3. Scooping out the zucchini: When they have cooled enough, scoop out the flesh of the zucchini, leaving about a 1 cm edge. This step is crucial as it will provide stability to the zucchinis and allow the filling to hold.

4. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, finely chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh. Add the grated cheese, eggs, sour cream, flour, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like, now is the time to add the finely chopped dill, which will add a note of freshness and flavor. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture with a consistency similar to sour cream.

5. Filling the zucchinis: Place the zucchinis in a greased baking dish with butter and lined with breadcrumbs, cut side up. Fill each zucchini with the previously prepared mixture. If you have excess filling, don't worry; letting it spill slightly from the zucchinis will create a delicious crust during baking. Level the filling for an even presentation.

6. Finishing: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the filling. In the cookbook from which I took the recipe, it was recommended to brown the breadcrumbs in oil, but I chose the simple version. You can do as you prefer!

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the dish with the stuffed zucchinis in the oven. Let them bake for 30 minutes, or until they become golden and appetizing.

8. Serving: Once they are ready, take the zucchinis out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, either plain or with a drizzle of sour cream on top. This recipe is ideal as a main dish or as a side.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is rich in nutrients, thanks to the zucchini, which is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fiber, and minerals. Additionally, the cheese and sour cream add a dose of protein and calcium, making this dish a balanced and nourishing choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with feta cheese, mozzarella, or even goat cheese for a different taste.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Absolutely! It is a vegetarian dish, full of flavors and nutrients.
- Can I prepare the zucchinis in advance? Yes, you can boil the zucchinis and prepare the filling a day ahead. You can bake them just before serving to have a fresh and warm meal.

Serving suggestions:
These stuffed zucchinis can be accompanied by a crunchy green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce, which will add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the rich taste of the filling. Also, a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade would perfectly complement the meal.

Possible variations:
If you want to customize the recipe, you can add chopped black olives or roasted red peppers to the filling for an extra flavor boost. Or, for a spicier version, add some chopped chili pepper.

This Greek stuffed zucchini recipe is not only delicious but also a true feast for the eyes! With an attractive presentation and a combination of textures, it will surely become a favorite in your family. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!