Stuffed zucchini

Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken and Rice – A Delight Prepared with Love

Who doesn't love a delicious meal, full of flavors and vibrant colors? Stuffed zucchinis are a perfect choice to bring a splash of joy to your plate and impress your loved ones. This simple and quick recipe, with a mix of healthy ingredients, will not only indulge your taste buds but also provide important nutritional benefits. Moreover, it is an excellent way to use fresh zucchinis, which are often in season and easy to find.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 chicken breast (about 300 g)
- 1/2 cup rice (125 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 cup tomato juice (250 ml)
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 medium tomatoes (for decoration)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water (250 ml)

Preparation of stuffed zucchinis:

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. Then, cut them in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and form little “boats” from the zucchinis. Place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess water.

2. Preparing the filling: Chop the chicken breast into small cubes or use a food processor to get ground meat. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with finely chopped parsley, the beaten egg, grated carrot, salt, pepper, and dried basil. This mixture will add flavor and a pleasant texture to the filling.

3. Preparing the base: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden. After that, add 100 ml of tomato juice and the washed rice. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat until the rice absorbs some of the sauce. Then, let the mixture cool before mixing it with the ground meat.

4. Filling the zucchinis: Use a spoon to fill each zucchini boat with the meat and rice mixture. Place them in a baking dish. Slice the tomatoes thinly and place them on top of the filling. Sprinkle thyme on top for added flavor.

5. Baking: Add a cup of water and the remaining tomato juice to the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the zucchinis to bake evenly. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let it bake for about 40 minutes.

6. Serving: Once the zucchinis are nicely browned, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, alongside a spoonful of sour cream. This will add a creamy note and balance the flavors.

Practical tips:

- Choose fresh zucchinis: Buy zucchinis that are firm with smooth skin. If they are too soft or have spots, it is better to avoid them.
- Vary the filling: You can replace the chicken breast with beef or turkey, or even opt for a vegetarian version using chopped mushrooms and feta cheese. Additionally, adding spices like paprika or chili can give a spicy and interesting touch.
- Creative serving: Besides sour cream, you can serve stuffed zucchinis with a fresh raw vegetable salad or a side of mashed potatoes for a more substantial lunch or dinner.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Zucchinis are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Chicken meat provides essential proteins, while rice complements the meal with complex carbohydrates. The carrot adds extra beta-carotene, an important antioxidant for eye health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I prepare the stuffed zucchinis in advance? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed zucchinis, cover them, and keep them in the refrigerator until baking.
- What other side dishes go well with stuffed zucchinis? A simple green salad with lemon and olive oil or a serving of wild rice is an excellent choice.

A personal note:

This stuffed zucchini recipe reminds me of family meals when we all gathered around the table, enjoying delicious dishes and sharing stories. Stuffed zucchinis are a dish that brings people together, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Know that when you prepare them with love, the result will always be rewarding!

Enjoy every bite and cherish the time spent in the kitchen!