This Stuffed Zucchini Recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner or as a side. It features tender zucchini halves filled with a delicious mixture of minced meat, vegetables, mushrooms, pineapple, and cheese, making it a delightful combination of savory and sweet. Topped with Parmesan and baked to perfection, this dish is sure to impress!
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 zucchini, halved and cored
- Olive oil (for drizzling and frying)
- Salt (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Dried dill (to taste)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 250 g mushrooms, chopped
- 200 g canned pineapple, cut into small pieces
- 300 g minced meat (beef, pork, or mixed)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 200 g cheese, grated
- 50 g Parmesan, grated (for topping)
Directions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and peel the skin if desired.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the core, creating a hollow space for the filling.
- Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil, then season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and dried dill.
- Bake the zucchini halves for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped mushrooms, season with salt, paprika, and garlic powder, and fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped pineapple and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Cook the Minced Meat:
- In another pan, heat some olive oil and cook the minced meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once cooked, mix the minced meat with the vegetable-mushroom-pineapple mixture.
- Assemble the Zucchini:
- Remove the baked zucchini from the oven.
- Fill each zucchini half with the prepared meat and vegetable mixture.
- Top each filled zucchini with grated cheese.
- Bake Again:
- Return the stuffed zucchini to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes at 200°C.
- After baking, sprinkle the stuffed zucchini with grated Parmesan and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the stuffed zucchini cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish, packed with flavor and texture!
Cooking Tips:
- Customize the Filling: You can substitute the minced meat with ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian option like lentils or quinoa.
- Add Spice: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the seasoning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of savory meat, earthy mushrooms, and sweet pineapple creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Nutrient-Rich: Zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins and fiber, while the meat provides protein and the mushrooms add antioxidants.
- Versatile: This dish works as both a main course or a side, and you can modify the filling to suit your tastes.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Zucchini: High in vitamins A and C, low in calories, and packed with fiber.
- Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants and B vitamins.
- Minced Meat: A great source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
Storage Information:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Conclusion:
This Stuffed Zucchini is a perfect dish for those looking to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. The combination of juicy zucchini, seasoned meat, vegetables, and melted cheese makes it a satisfying and crowd-pleasing recipe. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, substitute the minced meat with plant-based meat, lentils, or quinoa.
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works just as well and adds a lovely sweetness.
- Can I freeze stuffed zucchini?
- Yes, freeze the stuffed zucchini after baking for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven until fully warmed through.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- Serve with a fresh salad, rice, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
- Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or carrots to the filling mixture.