Stuffed zucchini with meat

Stuffed zucchini with meat - a traditional recipe that brings a touch of warmth to every meal! This recipe is perfect for celebrating the season of fresh vegetables and combines the delicate flavors of zucchini with a savory meat filling. An excellent choice for a family dinner or gatherings with friends, stuffed zucchini is not only tasty but also a nutritious option.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis (choose smaller zucchinis for better texture)
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a combination)
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 100 g)
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 2 large tomatoes (for the zucchini caps)
- 250 g onion
- 500 ml tomato paste or broth
- 500 ml sour borscht
- Spices: salt and pepper to taste
- Greens: a handful of finely chopped parsley and dill

Recipe story:
Stuffed zucchini with meat is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. This delicious dish was often prepared in traditional households, where each family added its own personal touch. Zucchini, being versatile vegetables, were used to create dishes that effectively combined available resources, transforming a simple ingredient into something special. This recipe not only satisfies the taste buds but is also an excellent way to consume vegetables creatively.

Preparing Stuffed Zucchini:

1. Preparing the zucchinis:
Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. Using a sharp knife, cut off the ends of the zucchinis and remove the seeds from the inside with a spoon or knife. Make sure to leave an appropriate thickness of the zucchini wall to prevent it from falling apart during cooking. A thickness of about 1 cm is ideal.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a pan, add the oil and, over medium heat, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the rice, stirring well to coat it with oil and slightly brown it. Add the tomato sauce or broth and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. This step is essential to give the filling a rich flavor.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the minced meat, eggs, chopped parsley and dill, as well as salt and pepper. Mix with your hands or a spatula until the ingredients are well integrated. It is important not to overmix, so that the filling remains fluffy.

4. Filling the zucchinis:
Using a spoon, fill each zucchini with the meat mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow the rice to expand during cooking. Slice the tomatoes thinly and place them on top of the stuffed zucchinis, acting as a lid.

5. Boiling the zucchinis:
Place the stuffed zucchinis in a deep pot and add the sour borscht, along with a cup or two of water. Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for about an hour and a half. It is important to keep the heat at medium level to allow the zucchinis to cook evenly.

6. Serving:
Once the zucchinis are ready, you can serve them warm, topped with a spoonful of sour cream and sprinkled with freshly chopped chili for an extra flavor boost. This combination will turn every bite into a culinary experience full of tastes.

Practical tips:
- Choose medium-sized zucchinis, as they are easier to fill and have a more aromatic taste.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use minced chicken instead of pork or beef.
- Adding spices like cumin or paprika can bring a distinctive note to the filling.

Possible variations:
- Experiment with vegetable fillings, adding mushrooms, carrots, or peppers instead of meat.
- If you want a creamier dish, add a little cottage cheese to the filling.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen zucchinis? We recommend using fresh zucchinis for the best texture.
- How can I tell when the zucchinis are ready? Use a fork to check if the zucchinis are tender. If it goes in easily, they are done!
- Can I prepare the recipe without borscht? Yes, you can use plain water or vegetable broth to boil the zucchinis.

Nutrition:
Each serving of stuffed zucchinis contains approximately 350-400 calories, providing a good source of protein and fiber, thanks to the meat and zucchinis. This recipe is rich in vitamins A and C, due to the tomatoes and greens, making it a healthy choice for hearty meals.

Stuffed zucchini with meat is not only a delicious recipe but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. With each bite, you will feel the warmth and tradition that lie behind this recipe, turning every meal into a celebration of taste. Enjoy your meal!