Stuffed zucchini with cheese

Stuffed Zucchini with Fresh Cow Cheese – A Traditional Recipe with Soul

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, we turn our attention to a beloved recipe that reminds us of joyful family meals at home: stuffed zucchini with fresh cow cheese. These zucchinis are not only a savory appetizer but also a perfect side dish for any main course. With a delicate flavor and soft texture, they pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or alongside a fresh salad.

The history of stuffed zucchini is closely tied to the culinary traditions of many cultures, where stuffing vegetables with various ingredients reflects the ingenuity and creativity of homemakers. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, stuffed zucchini have captured many hearts.

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 package of fresh cow cheese (approximately 400 g)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 green onions
- 150 g rice
- 50 g butter
- 8 slices of Emmental cheese
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing
- Parsley leaves for decoration

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Preparing the zucchinis:
Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. Using a peeler, remove the skin. Then, cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon or knife, ensuring to leave about 1 cm thickness to support the filling.

2. Blanching the zucchinis:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. When the water is boiling, immerse the zucchinis for 1 minute. This step is essential as it helps the zucchinis absorb water, giving them a more pleasant texture when baked. After blanching, remove the zucchinis and let them cool.

3. Preparing the filling:
Chop the onion and bell pepper finely. In a large skillet, add a bit of oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until the onion becomes translucent. This will intensify the flavors and add a sweet taste to the filling.

4. Cooking the rice:
In another pot, add the rice and cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 15 minutes, but it's good to check. The rice should be slightly firmer as it will continue to absorb moisture from the filling.

5. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Incorporate the fresh cow cheese, mixing well. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will become our delicious filling.

6. Filling the zucchinis:
Using a spoon, fill each half of the zucchini with the rice, vegetable, and cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill to avoid spills during baking.

7. Preparing for the oven:
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Place the stuffed zucchinis on the tray, and on top of each zucchini, place a slice of Emmental cheese and a small piece of butter. These will add a creamy note and a special flavor.

8. Baking:
Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 250 degrees, then remove the foil and reduce the temperature to 150 degrees. Let the zucchinis bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese on top becomes golden and appetizing.

9. Serving:
Once the zucchinis are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, plain or with a spoonful of sour cream on top. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a splash of color and freshness.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add herbs like dill or basil to the filling for an even more intense flavor.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
- For a lighter version, you can use goat cheese or feta cheese instead of fresh cow cheese.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These stuffed zucchinis are not only delicious but also healthy. Zucchini is rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, while fresh cow cheese provides essential proteins. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and butter used. This is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain their weight or adopt a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen zucchini?
- While it is recommended to use fresh zucchini for the best texture, frozen zucchini can be used if fresh ones are not available.

2. What is the best side dish for stuffed zucchini?
- A salad of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers with a simple vinaigrette will perfectly complement this dish.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
- You can replace the cow cheese with vegan cheese or crushed tofu mixed with spices to add flavor.

Try this recipe for stuffed zucchini with fresh cow cheese and turn it into a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!