Baked Stuffed zucchini

Experience the comforting embrace of stuffed zucchini, melding the richness of seasoned beef with the freshness of zucchini and the warmth of a tomato-based sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of fragrant basmati rice, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Follow along to bring these delightful flavors to your table.

Ingredients

🥒 5 medium zucchinis
🥩 2 cups seasoned ground beef filling (with onions, parsley, paprika, curry powder, black pepper, chicken bouillon, cayenne pepper, salt)
🫒 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying

🍅 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
🥄 1 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🧂 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
💧 4 cups water

🍚 3 cups basmati rice
🫒 4 tablespoons olive oil
🧂 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
🔥 3 cups hot water

Instructions

1- Prepare the Zucchini:

• 🥒 Slice off the tops of the zucchinis. Optionally, partially peel the skin for a mix of textures, and hollow out the centers carefully without breaking them.
• 🫒 Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry each zucchini on all sides until slightly golden, then remove them to cool.

2- Stuff Zucchini:

• Once cooled slightly, stuff each zucchini with the ground beef filling, pressing it down to ensure it's tightly packed.

3- Prepare the Sauce:

• 🧄 In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and cilantro until fragrant.
• 🍅 Add tomato paste, chicken bouillon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
• 💧 Gradually add water while stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and integrated.

4- Bake the Zucchini:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until zucchinis are tender.

5- Cook the Rice:

• 🍚 Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it for at least 20 minutes, then drain.
• 🫒 In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the drained rice.
• 🧂 Mix in the salt and hot water. Bring to a boil.
• 🔥 Once the water reduces, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 minutes until rice is fluffy and tender.

6- Serve:

• Plate the baked stuffed zucchinis alongside a serving of the aromatic rice. Enjoy the savory flavors mingling in each bite!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Calories: Approx. 600 per serving
Proteins: 25g
Fats: 30g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Equipment: Frying pan, baking dish, saucepan, pot for rice

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the frying oil is hot before adding zucchinis to achieve a golden crust without them absorbing too much oil.
• Adjust spices in the filling to your taste for a personalized touch.

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YouTube channel - EmanInTheKitchen: https://www.youtube.com/@EmanInTheKitchen

Stuffed Zucchini with Basmati Rice