Stuffed zucchini with pork

Stuffed Zucchini with Pork – A Delicious Summer Recipe

Stuffed zucchini with pork is a perfect choice for a summer meal, bringing both freshness and a savory blend of flavors to the table. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for those who love to cook. These stuffed zucchinis are perfect to be served as a main dish, alongside a fresh salad or even a serving of rice. Let’s explore each step of this recipe together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 3 zucchinis, 5-6 cm in diameter
- 200 g ground pork
- 50 g rice
- 1 large onion
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500 ml tomato juice
- 100 ml sour cream
- 30 g flour
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Thyme, to taste

A Brief History of the Recipe

Stuffed zucchini is a dish that has been cherished in various cultures, each with its own variations. This simple yet delicious recipe reflects the tradition of using seasonal ingredients, especially fresh vegetables, to create nourishing meals. Zucchinis, available in various shapes and sizes, are rich in nutrients and add a touch of freshness to any meal.

Step by Step: Preparing the Stuffed Zucchini

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cleaning the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. Cut off the ends and then, using a knife, slice them in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.

2. Removing the flesh: Use a teaspoon or a small knife to scoop out the flesh and seeds, leaving about a 1 cm border. This flesh can be saved to use in a soup or sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. Sautéing the onion: Chop the onion into scales and sauté it in a pan with a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat until it becomes translucent.

2. Adding the rice: Add the rice to the pan and stir it together with the onion for 2-3 minutes, until the rice becomes slightly golden. This step will give a pleasant flavor to the filling.

3. Mixing the filling: Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the onion and rice mixture, add the dill, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

Step 3: Stuffing the Zucchini

1. Stuffing the zucchinis: Use a spoon or your fingers to fill each half of the zucchini with the meat mixture. Press gently to ensure the filling settles well.

2. Adding tomato slices: Slice the tomatoes and place a slice on each stuffed zucchini to give them an appetizing look and an extra flavor.

Step 4: Cooking the Zucchini

1. Arranging in the pot: Place the stuffed zucchinis in a pot, side by side, horizontally.

2. Preparing the sauce: Pour the tomato juice over the zucchinis and add about 250 ml of hot water. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, turning the zucchinis in the sauce after the first 20 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Finalizing the Dish

1. Thickening the sauce: Once the zucchinis are ready, mix the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water or tomato juice and add the mixture to the sauce. Let it boil for a few moments to thicken.

2. Adding oil: Finally, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and adjust the salt to taste.

Serving

Stuffed zucchini with pork is served warm, either on its own or with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt on top for added creaminess. You can serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a simple serving of rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce.

Useful Tips

- Choosing the zucchinis: Opt for fresh, firm zucchinis with smooth skin. Avoid those with blemishes or a soft texture.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the pork with a mix of chopped vegetables or feta cheese for a lighter, vegetarian version.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as basil or oregano, to customize the flavor of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted with chicken, beef, or even a mix of meats.

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

3. Is this recipe suitable for children?
- Yes, stuffed zucchinis are a healthy and delicious option, perfect for adding vegetables to kids' diets.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe provides balanced portions of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. On average, a serving of stuffed zucchini has about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and sour cream used. Zucchinis are rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C) and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

Enjoy this recipe for stuffed zucchini with pork, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to every meal! Bon appétit!