Stuffed Zucchini Recipe: Easy and Delicious

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Stuffed Zucchini with Minced Meat and Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful and nutritious dish that makes the most of simple ingredients. Paired with crispy zucchini pancakes, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Here’s how you can create this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Zucchini:

  • 4 zucchinis, divided into 2-4 parts depending on size
  • 2 teaspoons of rice
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 150 grams of minced meat
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt, pepper, chili pepper to taste
  • 7 cherry tomatoes
  • 1.5 cups of hot water

For the Zucchini Pancakes:

  • 2 eggs
  • 100 grams of flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Zucchini

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
  2. Hollow the Zucchinis:
    • Cut the zucchinis into 2-4 parts depending on their size.
    • Hollow out the centers of each zucchini piece to create space for stuffing. Save the scooped-out zucchini flesh for the pancakes.

Prepare the Stuffing

  1. Mix the Ingredients:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, rice, finely chopped onion, and parsley.
    • Season with salt, pepper, and chili pepper to taste.
    • Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Stuff the Zucchini

  1. Fill the Zucchinis:
    • Fill the hollowed-out zucchinis with the prepared stuffing.
    • Top each stuffed zucchini with a cherry tomato.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Mix the Tomato Paste:
    • In a separate bowl, mix the tomato paste with 1.5 cups of hot water until well combined.
    • Pour this sauce over the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish.

Bake

  1. Cover and Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Prepare the Zucchini Pancakes

  1. Grate the Zucchini:
    • While the stuffed zucchinis are baking, grate the saved zucchini flesh.
  2. Mix the Batter:
    • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
    • Stir in the grated zucchini until well combined.
  3. Fry the Pancakes:
    • Heat a little vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
    • Pour small amounts of the zucchini batter into the pan to form pancakes.
    • Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve

  1. Serve Hot:
    • Once the stuffed zucchinis are done, remove them from the oven.
    • Serve hot with the zucchini pancakes on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Nutritious: This recipe uses basic ingredients that are easy to find and combines them to create a nutritious meal. Zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.

Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the minced meat with a plant-based alternative or add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the stuffing.

Delicious and Satisfying: The combination of tender stuffed zucchinis and crispy zucchini pancakes is both delicious and satisfying. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a meal that’s hard to resist.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Zucchini

Choose Fresh Zucchinis: Fresh zucchinis will have the best texture and flavor. Look for zucchinis that are firm and have a vibrant green color.

Season Generously: Make sure to season the stuffing and sauce well to enhance the flavors of the dish. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking.

Cook Evenly: Ensure the zucchinis are cooked through but not overdone. They should be tender but still hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad: Pair the stuffed zucchinis and pancakes with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

As an Appetizer: Serve the zucchini pancakes as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or garlic aioli.

For a Light Lunch: This dish is perfect for a light and healthy lunch. You can also prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to eat.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Zucchini: Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, zucchini supports eye health, boosts the immune system, and aids in digestion.

Minced Meat: A good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, minced meat helps in muscle growth and overall health.

Garlic and Onion: Both garlic and onion have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, adding both flavor and health benefits to the dish.

This stuffed zucchini with minced meat and cherry tomatoes recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy zucchini. Paired with crispy zucchini pancakes, it makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps to create a nutritious and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

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