Description
Mediterranean zucchini boats bring sensational flavors from garden-fresh vegetables and melted cheese. Delicious boats sail across dinner plates, offering quick nutrition and irresistible comfort for hungry families seeking simple, wholesome meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 zucchini
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 potato, grated
- 150 grams (about 1 1/2 cups) cheese, grated
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- Zucchini pulp from the 2 zucchini, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper mixture, to taste
- Italian herbs, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini by slicing lengthwise and carefully removing the inner flesh, creating a boat-like shell. Keep the pulp for later use in the filling.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly brush the zucchini shells with oil. Sprinkle with a blend of herbs, salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Roast the seasoned zucchini shells for 15 minutes to partially cook and enhance their flavor.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onions, grated carrots, diced potato, and reserved zucchini pulp until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to intensify the vegetable flavors.
- Remove the vegetable mixture from heat and incorporate grated cheese, stirring until well combined.
- Generously fill the pre-roasted zucchini shells with the vegetable and cheese mixture.
- Top each boat with an additional sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.
- Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Allow the zucchini boats to cool slightly before serving, which helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve immediately as a main course or side dish, pairing well with a crisp green salad or light protein.
Notes
- Hollow Out Carefully: Use a spoon to gently remove zucchini flesh, maintaining a sturdy shell that won’t break during baking.
- Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with smoked paprika, fresh herbs like thyme or basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to enhance the taste profile.
- Moisture Management: Pat zucchini shells dry after scooping to prevent excess water and ensure a crisp texture during baking.
- Customizable Protein Options: Incorporate cooked ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a heartier meal that suits different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg