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stuffed zucchini

(1 rating)
AspieApril avatar
Recipe by
April McIver
@AspieApril
R, CA

This is a great way to use up any huge mutant zucchini that got away from you. It also works well to stuff other small squash, such as an acorn squash or a small pie pumpkin. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the stuffing is done since cooking time will vary with the size and shape of your stuffable veggie. One of the most wonderful things about this recipe is that it turns woody, otherwise nearly inedible veggies into something delicious that you’d actually like to eat. The slow cooking and realtively high moisture content of the filling soften up the case as it cooks. It can make an impressive presentation too.

►
(1 rating)
yield 6 -8
prep time 30 Min
cook time 1 Hr

Ingredients For stuffed zucchini

  • 1
    giant zucchini or whatever else you'd like to use
  • 1
    whole stalk from a head of cauliflower
  • 1/4 sm
    red onion
  • 3 clove
    garlic
  • 1 lb
    ground turkey or chicken breast
  • 2 lg
    eggs
  • 1 Tbsp
    worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 c
    to 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • italian seasoning, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 c
    marinara sauce
  • 1/3 c
    mozzarella cheese, shredded

How To Make stuffed zucchini

  • 1
    Remove the stem and blossom end from the zucchini. Slice it lengthwise then hollow out using a paring knife and a spoon, leaving about a 1/2 inch shell. Save the inside portion removed if the seeds are still soft, toss it if they've begun to harden.
  • 2
    Turn the veggies into filling. If you have a meat grinder that works well, so would a food processor. In desperation, a box grater may be used. Shred, grind, or extremely finely chop the cauliflower stem, zucchini insides, onion and garlic. Squeeze any extra water you can out of this mixture, using your hands or cheesecloth. This takes the place of bread or cracker crumbs in the meatloaf style filling.
  • 3
    Add the chicken or turkey, eggs, Worcestershire sauce and Parmesan. Season how you’d like, I use around 1 tbsp Italian seasoning then some fresh ground pepper. Combine well.
  • 4
    Place the zucchini troughs in a foil-lined baking sheet. Fill the cavities with the meat mixture, heaping it up on top. Any leftover filling can be shaped into a meatloaf and baked in a separate pan.
  • 5
    Bake at 350 for about an hour, until your meat thermometer says the filling is at least 170 degrees.
  • 6
    Top with a little marinara and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Return to the oven 5 minutes or so to melt the cheese.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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