Stuffed zucchini

Stuffed Zucchini with Meat – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Stuffed zucchini are an excellent choice for a delicious and healthy meal, filled with interesting flavors and textures. This recipe combines fresh ingredients and rich flavors to create a dish that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you serve them as a main course or an appetizer, stuffed zucchini are always an inspired choice.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 7 small zucchinis
- 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup of rice (about 100 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 egg
- 300 ml tomato sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2-3 fresh tomatoes (for garnish)
- Oil for sautéing

A Brief History of the Recipe

Stuffed zucchini have a rich and varied history, found in many culinary cultures around the world. This recipe is an excellent way to use seasonal zucchini, transforming them into small boats filled with delicious stuffing. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to individual preferences, and the combination of ingredients makes this dish a true feast.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Zucchini
- Start by peeling the zucchinis, removing the skin. Choose small zucchinis for easy stuffing.
- Cut a small lid off the top of each zucchini and use a teaspoon to scoop them out, forming boats. Make sure not to damage the walls so that the stuffing can stay inside.
- Place the scooped zucchinis in a container of water and let them drain. This step helps reduce moisture and allows the zucchinis to bake evenly.

2. Preparing the Filling
- In a skillet, heat a little oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add 100 ml of the tomato sauce.
- Rinse the rice under cold water and drain well. Add the rice to the skillet and stir. Let the mixture simmer until the tomato sauce has reduced.
- Grate the carrot and add it to the rice mixture along with the minced meat, egg, chopped parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

3. Stuffing the Zucchini
- Take the drained zucchinis and fill each boat with the meat mixture. Make sure the stuffing is packed well, but do not overfill, as the rice will expand during cooking.
- Slice the tomatoes thinly and place them on top of each zucchini, then sprinkle thyme for added flavor.

4. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish. Add the remaining tomato sauce and, if necessary, a cup of water to prevent the dish from drying out during baking.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is well cooked.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Ingredients: Use fresh, quality meat to achieve a tasty dish. You can experiment with different types of meat, such as beef, pork, or chicken, as well as meat blends.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a combination of sautéed vegetables or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. Add feta or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serving: Stuffed zucchinis are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or with a yogurt sauce to balance the intense flavors.
- Canned Tomatoes: If using canned tomatoes, make sure they are of good quality and free from additives. Fresh tomatoes are also an excellent choice, especially in season.

Nutritional Values

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Zucchini are a good source of vitamins A and C, while the meat provides essential proteins. The rice complements the dish with healthy carbohydrates, and the vegetables add a rich supply of fiber. A serving of stuffed zucchini contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the type of meat and the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use larger zucchinis? While it is recommended to use small zucchinis for more tender boats, you can use larger ones. In this case, you will need to adjust the baking time.
- What other ingredients can I add to the filling? You can experiment with various vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, as well as spices like paprika or chili for a spicy flavor.
- How can I store stuffed zucchinis? They can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and for longer storage, you can freeze them. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Stuffed zucchini with meat are a versatile recipe, full of flavors and loved by the whole family. Try this simple recipe and enjoy your delicious dish! Bon appétit!