Here’s a recipe for Baked Zucchini Stuffed with Rice, Carrots, and Spicy Herbs—a delicious and satisfying dish with a flavorful stuffing.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water (for cooking rice)
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions using vegetable broth or water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the zucchinis:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats. You can use a spoon or melon baller to do this.
- Lightly salt the inside of the zucchini boats and place them cut-side down on paper towels to drain.
3. Sauté the vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the grated carrot and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Prepare the stuffing:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion, garlic, and carrot mixture, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to combine.
5. Stuff the zucchinis:
- Spoon the rice mixture into each zucchini boat, packing it lightly.
6. Bake:
- Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the stuffed zucchinis.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the topping is golden brown.
7. Serve:
- Allow the stuffed zucchinis to cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- For a variation, you can add other vegetables or beans to the stuffing mixture.
- You can also sprinkle some additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice over the stuffed zucchinis before serving for extra flavor.
This Baked Zucchini Stuffed with Rice, Carrots, and Spicy Herbs is a flavorful and satisfying dish that makes a great side or main course. Enjoy!
