Stuffed zucchini with cheese

Stuffed Zucchini with Cheese – a delicious, simple, and flavorful recipe, perfect for making the most of those zucchinis you have in your garden or fridge. This recipe combines the soft and moist texture of zucchini with a creamy filling of cheese and vegetables, resulting in a dish that can be served as both an appetizer and a main course. Let’s venture into cooking!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 large zucchinis (approximately 600-800g)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for added color)
- 50 ml olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 egg
- 200g cottage cheese or grated cheese
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili or other preferred spices (optional)

Recipe history

Stuffed zucchinis are a versatile dish found in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in summer cooking traditions. They are often filled with various ingredients, from meat to vegetables, and today we focus on a vegetarian version, ideal for highlighting the flavor of fresh zucchini and cheese.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. If you wish, you can peel them, but I recommend keeping the skin for nutritional benefits and a better texture. Slicing the zucchinis lengthwise to about 0.5 cm thick is essential for creating rolls that are easy to fill and handle.

2. Baking the zucchini slices: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the zucchini slices on a thick baking tray, making sure they do not overlap. If necessary, grease the tray with a little oil to prevent sticking. Bake the slices for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they become slightly browned and soft. This step will enhance the flavor of the zucchinis.

3. Preparing the filling: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the chopped green onions and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. It is important not to brown them too much; we want a crunchy texture. Once done, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the cottage cheese or grated cheese, beaten egg, finely chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

4. Filling the zucchinis: Place each zucchini slice on a flat surface and put a spoonful of the cheese filling on the edge of each slice. Roll the zucchini tightly and secure it with a green onion leaf. This detail not only provides an appealing look but also helps maintain the shape.

5. Baking the rolls: In a greased baking dish, arrange the stuffed zucchini rolls. Bake them in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden and browned. I recommend checking them halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly.

6. Serving: Serve the stuffed zucchinis warm, alongside a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill, which will add a refreshing note to the dish. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also brings a pleasant contrast of textures.

Useful tips:

- A healthier option: If you want to reduce calories, you can use low-fat cheese or a mixture of cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Variations: Instead of dill, you can use fresh basil or oregano for a different flavor. You can also add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
- Secret ingredient: A teaspoon of crushed garlic in the filling will add a unique flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use small zucchinis? Yes, small zucchinis are perfect for stuffing, although you will need to adjust the baking time.
2. How can I store the zucchini rolls? You can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days, and to reheat them, use the oven to maintain the crunchy texture.
3. What side dish goes best? These rolls are excellent served with a fresh green salad or baked potatoes.

Nutritional benefits:

Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Additionally, cheese provides calcium and protein, and dill brings antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to start cooking! Stuffed zucchinis with cheese are not only delicious but also an excellent way to add vegetables to your diet. Enjoy your meal!