Uruguayan Stuffed Zucchini (Zapallitos Rellenos) Recipe 🥒
Introduction:
Indulge in the flavors of Uruguay with this delightful recipe for Uruguayan Stuffed Zucchini, also known as Zapallitos Rellenos. Bursting with savory goodness and simple to prepare, this dish is perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion when you crave a taste of South American cuisine. With a prep time of just 35 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 5 minutes, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2-3 zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). | 5 minutes |
| 2 | Bake the Zucchini: Place the whole zucchinis on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until they are soft but still firm. | 30 minutes |
| 3 | Prepare the Filling: While the zucchinis are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant. | 10 minutes |
| 4 | Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, milk, egg, cooked onions, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. | 5 minutes |
| 5 | Prepare Zucchini Shells: Once the zucchinis are baked and cooled, slice them in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out the pulp, leaving a shell to hold the filling. Coarsely chop the scooped-out pulp and add it to the bread crumb mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly. | 10 minutes |
| 6 | Fill the Zucchini: Carefully spoon the bread crumb mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini shells, distributing it evenly among them. | 5 minutes |
| 7 | Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining bread crumbs with melted butter to create the topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the filled zucchinis. | 5 minutes |
| 8 | Bake Again: Return the stuffed zucchinis to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. | 25 minutes |
Serving:
Once the Uruguayan Stuffed Zucchinis are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These delicious stuffed zucchinis can be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish or served alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. ¡Buen provecho! 🍽️
