Stuffed Zucchini

To prepare stuffed zucchinis, we start by carefully washing the fresh zucchinis, ensuring they are clean of any impurities. After washing them, we cut off the edges, that is, the tip and the stem, to give them a uniform and aesthetic shape. We split each zucchini in half lengthwise, so we get perfect little boats ready for stuffing. If you want to intensify the flavor and texture, you can blanch the zucchinis. This is done by plunging them for about 30 seconds in boiling water mixed with salt, but personally, I chose to skip this step.

After cutting the zucchinis, we will carefully scoop them out, making sure to leave a thin layer on the inside to maintain the structure. The pulp obtained will be turned into a delicious paste, so we can mash it in a food processor or with a meat grinder. Once the paste is obtained, we add two tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of dried marjoram, salt to taste, and breadcrumbs. We mix all the ingredients well until we get a homogeneous and flavorful mixture, ready to become our filling.

Now, with the help of a spoon or spatula, we fill the zucchini shells with this delicious mixture. We carefully place them in a baking dish, making sure to arrange them evenly to allow for even baking. To give them an even richer flavor, we drizzle each zucchini with a stream of olive oil, letting a few drops run onto the dish, which will contribute to perfect browning. A useful trick is to use an oil bottle with a special cap that allows for controlled flow, or we can block the opening with our finger to achieve a thin stream.

We bake the stuffed zucchinis in a preheated oven at 180 °C, during which we will check their texture. The shells should become soft, and a fork should easily penetrate them. The stuffed zucchinis can be served both warm, as a main dish or appetizer, and cold, being an excellent choice for a picnic or a party. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, being able to be adapted according to everyone's preferences, bringing a touch of freshness and health to every meal.