This stuffed zucchini boat recipe is a delightful blend of fresh zucchini, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, topped off with flavorful tomatoes and garlic. The dish is healthy, easy to prepare, and a fantastic option for a light meal or snack. You’ll enjoy the combination of vegetables and cheese, making it both nutritious and delicious. It’s also versatile, and you can swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Sweet paprika, to taste
• A little olive oil
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 60 grams (2 oz) of cottage cheese or cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 60 grams (2 oz) of mozzarella (for pizza)
• 4 eggs

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Halve the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini, then cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the middle of the zucchini halves to create a boat-like shape. Be careful not to scoop too much out; leave some flesh attached to maintain structure.
3. Season the Zucchini: Rub a little olive oil on the zucchini halves and season them with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste.

Step 2: Make the Filling:

1. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or cream cheese) with mayonnaise, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.
2. Prepare the Tomato: Dice the tomato and set it aside for later use as a topping.

Step 3: Fill and Assemble:

1. Add the Cheese Filling: Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed zucchini boats, filling them generously.
2. Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchini boats.
3. Add Tomatoes: Place the diced tomato on top of each zucchini boat for added flavor and freshness.

Step 4: Bake the Zucchini Boats:

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The zucchini should become tender, and the cheese should melt and start to brown slightly.
2. Prepare the Eggs: While the zucchini is baking, you can prepare the eggs. In a pan, fry or scramble the eggs to your liking. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve:

1. Assemble the Final Dish: Once the zucchini boats are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Serve with Eggs: Plate the stuffed zucchini boats alongside the prepared eggs. The combination of the cheesy zucchini boats and eggs makes a wonderful, protein-rich meal.
3. Garnish with Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Cooking Tips:

• Zucchini Size: If your zucchinis are particularly large, you can increase the quantity of filling ingredients to ensure they are fully stuffed.
• Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, you can substitute or combine other cheeses like cheddar or gouda with the mozzarella.
• Optional Add-ins: For added texture and taste, you can include chopped onions, bell peppers, or cooked ground meat in the filling.
• Healthier Option: To make the dish lighter, you can omit the mayonnaise and use yogurt as a substitute in the cheese filling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 2 Servings):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Calcium: 150mg

FAQs:

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   • Yes, you can substitute the dairy ingredients like cheese and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives such as plant-based cream cheese and vegan mozzarella.
2. Can I use different vegetables?
   • Absolutely! Bell peppers or eggplants work well as substitutes or in addition to zucchini for a similar style of stuffed vegetables.
3. Can I store leftovers?
   • Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispness.
4. Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
   • Yes, ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.

Conclusion: Stuffed zucchini boats with cheese, tomatoes, and garlic are a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The combination of soft zucchini, creamy cheese filling, and fresh vegetables makes this a crowd-pleasing recipe. It’s easy to customize and experiment with different fillings and toppings, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious taste and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy your cheesy, hearty stuffed zucchini boats!