**Zucchini Stuffed with Herbs: A Culinary Journey of Flavors and Textures**
Embark on a delectable voyage with herb-stuffed zucchini, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds and captivates the senses. This versatile dish offers a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Dive into a medley of zesty herbs, succulent zucchini, and a delightful filling that bursts with every bite. From classic Italian flavors to a tangy Greek twist, this article presents a collection of recipes that cater to diverse palates. Whether you prefer a vegetarian delight or a meat-filled indulgence, these recipes promise an unforgettable culinary experience. Discover the secrets behind creating the perfect herb-stuffed zucchini, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of stuffing and baking. Let your taste buds rejoice as you explore the diverse flavors and textures that this dish has to offer.
MIDDLE EASTERN STUFFED ZUCCHINI RECIPE
Middle Eastern stuffed zucchini recipe with a spiced rice and meat filling, cooked in red sauce. A must-try!
Provided by The Mediterranean Dish
Categories Entree
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing ingredients of rice, ground beef, shredded onion, fresh parsley, dill, diced tomatoes, water, olive oil, allspice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix by hand to combine.
- Now, remove the top of 3 tomatoes and remove the core to hollow out the tomatoes making room for the stuffing. Do this using a corer like this one.
- With a knife, remove the very top of the zucchini, then cut each zucchini in half to make shorter zucchini for stuffing. Now you need to hollow out the zucchini to make room for the stuffing.
- Insert your corer about 3/4 of the way into the zucchini, making sure not to poke the bottoms. Twist the corer and pull out the zucchini cores or hearts. Do this a few times, and gently scrape the sides of the zucchini until you have hollowed each out making room for the stuffing. You'll want to leave about 1/4 inch rim of zucchini.
- Lightly oil the bottom of a large deep cooking pan like this one. Slice the remaining tomato and spread over the bottom of the pan. Now add the onion slices and the cores or hearts of the zucchini. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- Now, using your hands, gently stuff the hollowed tomatoes with the rice stuffing. Then loosely stuff the zucchini with the rice stuffing about 3/4 of the way (do not over-stuff or crowd the rice stuffing in the zucchini or it will not cook well).
- Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in the center of the cooking pan, then add the stuffed zucchini (stuffed side up) around them. Tilt the zucchini a little, this helps them cook nicely through using less liquid.
- Now add the tomato sauce and water. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the pan on the stove and cook on medium-high heat until the liquid starts boiling. Turn the heat down, cover and simmer for for 50 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the rice stuffing is fully cooked.
- Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with the sauce from the cooking pan. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Sugar 6.6 g, Sodium 154.7 mg, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 23 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 10.2 g, Cholesterol 17 mg
CRISPY STUFFED ZUCCHINI
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking tray or sheet with non stick cooking oil spray.
- Arrange zucchini halves, cut side up, on the baking sheet. Set aside.
- Mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley and garlic in a small bowl.
- Pour in the melted butter, season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ⅓ teaspoon pepper (or to taste). Mix the ingredients together until the breadcrumbs absorb the butter (about 40 seconds).
- Spoon the mixture over each zucchini half, to evenly cover. Spray the topping with a little cooking oil spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the hot oven until the crust is golden and the zucchini halves are cooked through.
- Broil for a further 5 minutes on medium heat to crisp the topping.
- Garnish with parsley and serve as a side accompaniment to any main dish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 255 kcal, Carbohydrate 18 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Sodium 394 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH PARMESAN
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds, forming a shallow cavity. Finely grated one of the seeded zucchini into a bowl, salt and set aside. Liberally sprinkle the other zucchini shells with salt and place cut-side down on paper towels while preparing the filling.
- 2. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Lightly squeeze the grated zucchini to remove the excess moisture and add to the onions and peppers. Cook until the mixture dries slightly. Remove from the heat, stir in the panko, cheese, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Cool slightly.
- 3. Wipe the salt from the zucchini and dry as thoroughly as possible with paper towels. Divide the filling among the zucchini halves, mounding them slightly down the center. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake until the zucchini softened and the tops brown, about 20 minutes. Carefully transfer zucchini to a platter and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 242, Fat 14 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Cholesterol 26 milligrams, Sodium 325 milligrams, Carbohydrate 21 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 11 grams
ZUCCHINI HERB CASSEROLE
I've been making this casserole for almost 20 years and it's always a hit. Even my meat-eater husband likes it. Serve with a crusty French bread or soft breadsticks. Leftovers are great in an omelet the next day.
Provided by Debi Blair McGinness
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Tomatoes
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Combine the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a shallow 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the zucchini, green onions, and garlic 5 minutes, or until tender. Season with garlic salt, basil, paprika, and oregano. Mix in the cooked rice, tomatoes, and 1 cup cheese. Continue to cook and stir until heated through. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 266.3 calories, Carbohydrate 16.5 g, Cholesterol 39.5 mg, Fat 17.5 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 12.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 628.3 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
Tips:
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Select medium-sized zucchini that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid large zucchini as they tend to have a tougher texture and may contain more seeds.
- Prepare the Zucchini Properly: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the zucchini, as this can make them difficult to stuff.
- Stuffing Variations: Experiment with different stuffing options to suit your preference. You can use a combination of herbs, vegetables, cheese, and meat or tofu for a more substantial filling.
- Baking Temperature and Time: Bake the stuffed zucchini at a temperature of 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve with Sauce or Condiments: Serve the herb-stuffed zucchini with a simple tomato sauce, a creamy sauce, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
Herb-stuffed zucchini is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With its tender zucchini, flavorful herb filling, and customizable options, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're following a specific diet or simply looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, herb-stuffed zucchini is a great choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create this delightful dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
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