Greek Stuffed Zucchini
Description
Experience the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean with our Greek Stuffed Zucchini, a perfect one-dish meal that encapsulates the essence of traditional Greek cooking. This dish, generously filled with a savory blend of ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a selection of herbs, is crafted with care, inspired by the talented women of the Greek Orthodox Church, who always seem to have something special simmering in their kitchens. Rich in flavor yet balanced in nutrition, this stuffed zucchini is a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal.
Cook Time
40 minutes
Prep Time
35 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
Keywords
Vegetable, Meat, Greek, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Onions |
| 1 – 2 | Minced garlic clove |
| 3/4 | Ground beef |
| 1/4 | Tomatoes |
| 1 | Olive oil |
| 1/4 | Dried thyme |
| 1/4 | Dry oregano |
| 1/4 | Salt |
| 3/4 | Zucchini |
| 1 | Olive oil (for roasting) |
| 2 | Butter |
| 8 | Feta cheese |
| 2 | Parmesan cheese |
| 1/2 | Egg whites |
| 1/2 | Bread crumbs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 436.8 |
| Total Fat | 25.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 49.7 mg |
| Sodium | 615.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g |
| Sugars | 8.4 g |
| Protein | 19.1 g |
Instructions
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Begin by slightly browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring to drain any excess fat if necessary. This step will enhance the flavor of the meat and prepare it for the seasonings.
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Once the meat is browned, add in the dried thyme, dry oregano, and salt, stirring well to combine the spices thoroughly with the meat.
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In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them until they are softened and fragrant, typically around 3-5 minutes.
-
Incorporate the cooked onions and garlic into the meat mixture, followed by adding in the chopped tomatoes. Pour in a splash of white wine if desired, and allow the entire mixture to cook for approximately 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
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After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the egg whites and bread crumbs. This will help bind the filling and provide structure once stuffed into the zucchini.
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While the filling cools, prepare the zucchini. Trim both ends of the zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. This will create the perfect boats for your filling.
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To slightly soften the zucchini, parboil the halves in salted water for about 3 minutes. This process makes the zucchini easier to scoop and ensures they cook evenly.
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After parboiling, carefully remove the zucchini halves and place them on paper towels to drain any excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent sogginess in your final dish.
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Arrange the drained zucchini halves cut-side up in a well-oiled flat roasting pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
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Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the centers of the zucchini, discarding the pulp, but leaving enough flesh around the edges to maintain their structure.
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Generously spoon the flavorful meat filling into each zucchini shell, pressing down gently to pack it in well.
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For added texture and flavor, top each stuffed zucchini with bread crumbs, which should be lightly moistened with olive oil or melted butter.
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Sprinkle the grated feta and parmesan cheese generously over the top of each stuffed zucchini, allowing the cheese to melt and create a deliciously crispy layer during baking.
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Finally, bake the stuffed zucchinis in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the zucchini is very tender.
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Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle. Enjoy your Greek Stuffed Zucchini warm as a fulfilling meal on its own or as part of a larger spread of Mediterranean delights.
With this wholesome and delectable dish, you’ll be bringing a taste of Greece to your table, making every bite a joyous celebration of flavors and traditions. Perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, these stuffed zucchinis are sure to impress everyone who tries them.
