Stuffed zucchini

Stuffed Zucchini with Meat: A Savory and Comforting Recipe

Stuffed zucchini is a classic dish loved in many cultures, where vegetables become vessels for delicious fillings. This recipe combines the soft texture of zucchini with a rich, flavorful filling, providing you with a satisfying meal suitable for any occasion. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare these stuffed zucchinis with meat, step by step, to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 5 round zucchinis (choose small, firm, and shiny zucchinis)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 200 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 4-5 tablespoons of tomato sauce
- 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- A handful of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- Lovage leaves (optional, for flavor)

Preparing the Zucchini

1. Washing and preparing the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. It is important to remove any impurities, as the zucchinis will be consumed with their skin.

2. Cutting the top: With a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of the zucchinis. This will act as a lid, keeping the filling inside during baking.

3. Scooping out the zucchinis: Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh of the zucchinis, being careful not to damage the skin. This flesh will be used in the filling, adding extra flavor.

4. Blanching the zucchinis: Place the scooped zucchinis in a pot of boiling salted water. Let them boil for 2-3 minutes. Blanching will help soften them slightly and facilitate the cooking process later.

Preparing the Filling

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the chopped onion, the flesh scooped from the zucchinis, the egg, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

6. Filling the zucchinis: Using a spoon or your hands, fill each zucchini with the mixture obtained. Make sure the filling is well compacted, but leave a little space for the ingredients to expand during cooking.

Preparing the Sauce

7. Preparing the sauce: In a heat-resistant dish, add the tomato sauce, a little olive oil, the crushed garlic, and the lovage leaves. Mix the ingredients well to combine.

8. Placing the zucchinis: Place the stuffed zucchinis in the tomato sauce, being careful not to overlap them. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.

Baking

9. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with zucchinis in the oven and let them bake for 35-40 minutes. If you notice that the sauce evaporates too quickly, add a little water to maintain moisture.

Serving

10. Serving: The stuffed zucchinis are delicious and can be served warm, alongside a horseradish sauce. This will add a spicy and fresh contrast to the dish. A personal suggestion is to add a simple green salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors.

Useful Tips

- Basic ingredients: Choose small zucchinis, as they are sweeter and have a better texture. If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms or a combination of vegetables.
- Sauce flavor: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add extra flavor.
- Oven version: If you want to give a crispy texture, in the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the lid and let the zucchinis brown slightly.

Nutritional Information

This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Zucchinis are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Each serving contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the type of meat used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use different zucchinis? Yes, zucchinis can be replaced with bell peppers or eggplants, and the filling can be adjusted according to preferences.
- What can I do with the flesh scooped from the zucchinis? It can be added to soups, purees, or even omelets.
- How can I store leftover stuffed zucchinis? This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and in the freezer, it can be stored for up to 2 months.

I encourage you to try this recipe for stuffed zucchinis with meat, to bring your variations, and to enjoy a delicious dish that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!