Stuffed zucchini boats

Delicious stuffed zucchini boats recipe

If you're looking for a simple yet incredibly tasty recipe, stuffed zucchini boats are the perfect choice! This dish is not only an ideal option for a healthy meal, but it also adds a touch of creativity to the kitchen. Moreover, it's a versatile recipe that you can adapt based on the ingredients you have on hand.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 120 minutes
Total time: 140 minutes
Servings: 4

A brief history of the recipe

Stuffing vegetables is a culinary tradition found in numerous cultures throughout history. People have discovered that by stuffing vegetables with meat, rice, or other vegetables, they can create nutritious and flavorful meals. Zucchini, with their soft texture and mild flavor, are an excellent choice for this technique, providing a perfect contrast to the rich filling.

Ingredients

- 2 large zucchinis
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or mixed, as preferred)
- 30 g rice (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 onions
- 4 tomatoes
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
- Oil for sautéing (about 2-3 tablespoons)

Preparing the ingredients

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Wash the zucchinis under cold water to remove any impurities. Cut the zucchinis lengthwise and carefully scoop them out, leaving about 1 cm of flesh to maintain their shape. Place them in a baking dish or smaller baking dishes, depending on their size.

2. The onion: Peel and wash 6 onions. Chop two of them finely. In a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes golden and soft.

3. The tomato sauce: Grate the 4 tomatoes and add them to the pan, along with 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. The filling: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, rice (washed and drained well), remaining finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Assembling the boats

5. Fill the zucchinis: Use a spoon to fill each zucchini with the meat and rice mixture, being careful not to overfill them as the rice will expand during cooking.

6. Add the sauce: Place slices of tomato on top of the stuffed zucchinis. Then, pour the previously prepared tomato sauce over the zucchinis. Add enough water to lightly cover the zucchinis.

7. Baking: Cover the dishes with a lid or aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 2 hours. Check occasionally if you need to add a little water to prevent them from drying out.

Serving

Stuffed zucchini boats are served hot, accompanied by a spoonful of sour cream, which adds a creamy and delicious touch. Personally, I like to serve the sour cream separately so that everyone can adjust the amount to their preference.

Helpful tips

- Recipe variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey or chicken, or you can make the filling vegetarian by using mushrooms and vegetables. You can also add spices like paprika or herbs for an extra kick of flavor.

- Delicious combinations: These boats pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or warm polenta. You can also try a dry white wine to complement the meal.

Nutritional information

This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. Zucchini are rich in vitamins and minerals, while minced meat provides essential proteins. A serving of stuffed zucchini boats has about 350-400 calories, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use smaller zucchinis?
Yes, smaller zucchinis are perfect for individual servings and can be stuffed just as well.

2. What can I use instead of meat?
You can use cooked chickpeas or lentils for a healthy vegetarian option.

3. Can the zucchini boats be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked boats. When you want to consume them, let them thaw and cook them according to the instructions.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I wish you great success in cooking! Don't forget to experiment and put your personal touch on the recipe. Bon appétit!