Stuffed Zucchini

We start by preparing the necessary ingredients for a delicious recipe of stuffed zucchini with meat and rice. The first step is to take a large bowl, in which we will add minced meat, preferably pork or beef, depending on everyone's taste. Before continuing, we wash the rice well under a stream of cold water to remove the starch, then we drain it carefully. The washed and drained rice is added over the minced meat, forming the base of our filling.

Now we turn our attention to the onion. We peel a medium onion, chop it finely, and sauté it in a pan with a little oil, stirring occasionally until it becomes translucent and releases its aromas. This will add a special flavor to our mixture. Once the onion is ready, we add it to the bowl with meat and rice, then season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.

Next, we take care of the zucchinis. They are peeled, cut in half, and with the help of a spoon, we carefully scoop them out to create a generous space for the filling. Now it's time to fill the zucchinis with the meat mixture, being careful to fill them well but not to the brim, to allow the filling to cook evenly.

We prepare a tall pot, in which we place the stuffed zucchinis side by side. Now comes the savory part: we slice fresh tomatoes thinly and carefully place them on top of the zucchinis, to add a layer of freshness and flavor. In a small bowl, we dissolve the tomato paste in a little water and pour it evenly over the zucchinis, making sure they are well covered. We also add tomato juice, completing with water until the zucchinis are almost covered.

Now the pot is ready for the oven. We cover it with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven on low heat. We let the zucchinis cook slowly for about 40-50 minutes, until they are nicely browned and the aroma blends perfectly.

We serve the zucchinis warm, with a spoonful of sour cream on top, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, for an extra touch of flavor and color. This recipe is not only a delicious meal but also a perfect way to enjoy seasonal vegetables, transforming them into a tasty and healthy dish. Bon appétit!