Ingredients:

For the Zucchini and Filling:

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 200g chicken breast fillet, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• A mix of black pepper and other spices (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Fresh dill, chopped (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons potato starch
• Oil for frying (olive oil or any preferred cooking oil)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped or pureed
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Slice the Zucchini: Slice the two zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips (about 0.5 cm thick). These will be used to wrap the chicken filling.
2. Set Aside: Place the zucchini strips on a plate and set aside while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pan, heat a small amount of oil over low to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and sauté for another 3 minutes until softened.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the finely chopped chicken breast fillet to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Season: Season the mixture with dried basil, minced garlic, pepper mixture, and salt to taste. Stir everything well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Cool the Mixture: Remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Starch

7. Prepare the Binding: Once the filling has cooled, mix in 1 beaten egg, chopped dill, and 2 teaspoons of potato starch. This will help bind the filling together and make it easier to stuff the zucchini strips.

Step 4: Stuff and Fry the Zucchini

8. Fill the Zucchini: Take each zucchini strip and place a small amount of the chicken filling on one end of the strip. Roll the zucchini tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
9. Fry the Stuffed Zucchini: Heat a little more oil in the pan over low heat. Place the stuffed zucchini rolls in the pan and fry them for 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and the zucchini softens slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

10. Cook the Tomato Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
11. Add Tomato and Herbs: Add the finely chopped or pureed tomato to the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.

Step 6: Serve the Dish

12. Plate and Serve: Arrange the fried stuffed zucchini rolls on a serving plate. Spoon the tomato sauce over the rolls, or serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.
13. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Cooking Tips:

• Zucchini Thickness: Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly so that they cook uniformly. If the strips are too thick, they may not cook through properly, and if too thin, they may break when wrapping the filling.
• Pre-Cooking Zucchini: If your zucchini strips are too firm to wrap around the filling, you can lightly blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stuffing them. This will make them more pliable.
• Cheese Variation: For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the zucchini rolls after frying and broil for a few minutes before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg

FAQs:

1. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the zucchini a few hours ahead of time. Simply store the stuffed zucchini in the fridge until you’re ready to fry and serve them.
2. What other vegetables can I use as a filling? You can substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the chicken filling to add more variety and nutrition to the dish.
3. Can I bake the stuffed zucchini instead of frying? Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the stuffed zucchini rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden.
4. Is there an alternative to potato starch? Yes, you can substitute the potato starch with cornstarch or breadcrumbs if you don’t have potato starch on hand.

Conclusion:

This Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken and Basil in Tomato Sauce is not only delicious but also a healthy and satisfying meal. The combination of the tender zucchini and the flavorful chicken filling, seasoned with herbs and spices, makes for a balanced and wholesome dish. The light tomato sauce brings everything together, adding a fresh and tangy note that enhances the overall flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy!