Stuffed zucchini

Stuffed zucchini with meat and rice - a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Do you dream of a dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with homey aromas? Stuffed zucchini with meat and rice is the perfect choice. This recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also an excellent way to bring fresh and healthy vegetables to the table. Moreover, zucchini is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and low in calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Let’s start our culinary adventure!

Ingredients:

- 7 medium zucchinis
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or mixed, according to preference)
- 1/2 cup rice (preferably long grain)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 egg
- 300 ml tomato juice (or crushed tomatoes)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2-3 tomatoes, sliced
- Oil for sautéing

Step 1: Preparing the zucchinis

Start by washing the zucchinis well. Use a sharp knife to cut a small cap off the top and then, with a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the insides to create enough space for the filling. Make sure not to remove too much pulp, as this will help maintain the shape of the zucchini. Once done, place them upside down on a towel to drain.

Helpful tips: If the zucchinis are too large, you can choose to cut them in half lengthwise and scoop them out, which will allow for a more even filling.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. It’s important not to brown it too much, as we want a sweet and delicate flavor. Once the onion is ready, add 100 ml of the tomato juice and the washed and drained rice. Let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid significantly reduces (about 5-7 minutes). After it has reduced, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the grated carrot, egg, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Once the rice and onion mixture has cooled, add it to the bowl as well. Mix everything well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

Step 3: Stuffing the zucchinis

It’s time to stuff the zucchinis! Use a spoon or spatula to fill each zucchini with the mixture, being careful not to overfill them. Once they are stuffed, place them in a deep baking dish. On top of each zucchini, place slices of tomatoes and sprinkle thyme. This will add a lovely aroma and color to the dish.

Step 4: Baking

In the same dish, add the remaining tomato juice and, if necessary, a cup of water to prevent the zucchinis from drying out during baking. Cover everything with aluminum foil and place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 °C. Let the zucchinis bake for 40 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the zucchinis to brown slightly.

Step 5: Serving

Once they have cooled slightly, the stuffed zucchinis can be served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a side of mashed potatoes. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed both for lunch and dinner.

Serving suggestion: Top with a few fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of color and freshness!

Recipe variations: If you want to personalize this recipe, you can add feta or mozzarella cheese to the filling. You can also experiment with spices; adding chili peppers or fresh herbs can transform the recipe into a unique tasting experience.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen zucchinis?
It is not recommended, as the texture will change. Use fresh zucchinis for the best results.

2. What else can I add to the filling?
Besides minced meat, you can add sautéed mushrooms or quinoa for a vegetarian option.

3. How can I store the stuffed zucchinis?
They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional benefits: Zucchinis are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and folate. They are also a good source of fiber, which helps maintain digestive health. Minced meat provides essential proteins, while rice completes the dish with healthy carbohydrates.

Calories: A serving of stuffed zucchinis contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of meat and the amount of oil used.

This stuffed zucchini recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of creativity to the kitchen, combining simple ingredients for an extraordinary result. Don’t forget to share with friends and family, because food is better when enjoyed together!