Costa Rican Zapallitos Rellenos (Stuffed Zucchini) 🥒
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the savory delights of Costa Rican cuisine with these scrumptious Zapallitos Rellenos, featuring tender zucchini stuffed with a flavorful blend of cheese and hard-boiled egg. Perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 zucchinis
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1/4 cup cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- Bread crumbs (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
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Boil the Zucchinis: Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the zucchinis and let them simmer until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow them to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Zucchinis: Once the zucchinis are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the insides and place them in a strainer. Press down on the zucchini flesh to force out as much liquid as possible.
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Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the strained zucchini paste with the hard-boiled egg (chopped), grated cheese, and milk. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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Fill the Zucchini Shells: Take the zucchini halves and evenly distribute the filling mixture among them, filling each shell generously.
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Add Toppings: Sprinkle the stuffed zucchinis with a layer of bread crumbs, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
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Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the parmesan cheese has turned golden brown and the filling is heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed zucchinis from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors of Costa Rican cuisine!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 137.5
- Total Fat: 6.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 65.2mg
- Sodium: 255.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 9.1g
Recipe Notes:
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the stuffed zucchinis for a couple of minutes after baking.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
- These Zapallitos Rellenos can be served as a standalone dish or paired with a side salad for a complete meal experience.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds with this irresistible Costa Rican dish!
