Stuffed Zucchini with Rice – A Delightful Single Dish Meal
Servings: 4 | Category: Main Dishes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 550g |
| Carnaroli Rice | 125g |
| Grana Padano DOP Cheese | 15g |
| Water | 300g |
| Butter | 10g |
| Fontina Cheese | 20g |
| Tomato Passata | 400g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Fresh Basil | q.b. (to taste) |
| Salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Black Pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
Instructions:
To create this delightful dish of stuffed zucchini with rice, begin by preparing the tomato sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and let it sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the tomato passata, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the garlic and set the sauce aside, keeping it warm.
While the sauce is simmering, bring the water to a boil in a separate pot to cook the rice. Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Cut them in half horizontally, creating two even pieces for each zucchini. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and stir in the rice. Cook the rice for about 5-6 minutes, then add the scooped-out zucchini pulp to the pot, allowing it to cook with the rice.
When the rice is cooked through, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter, letting it melt into the rice to create a creamy texture.
Now it’s time to stuff the zucchini: Take each hollowed zucchini half and fill it halfway with the rice mixture. Place a small cube of fontina cheese in the center of each one, then continue filling until the zucchini halves are well-stuffed.
Next, gently place the stuffed zucchinis into the saucepan with the prepared tomato sauce. Cover with a lid and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the zucchini to cook until tender. The cheese inside will melt, infusing the rice with a creamy, rich flavor, and the sauce will enhance the dish with its savory depth.
Serve the stuffed zucchinis hot, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350-400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | Varies with seasoning |
This hearty and healthy stuffed zucchini dish makes for a perfect main course. With a balance of fresh zucchini, creamy rice, savory cheese, and aromatic tomato sauce, it offers a delightful experience with every bite. Enjoy this flavorful dish for lunch or dinner, perfect for those looking for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
