Zucchini Boats: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that's also easy to prepare? Look no further than zucchini boats! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. Zucchini boats are a great way to get your vegetables in, and they're also incredibly versatile. You can fill them with just about anything you like!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or oregano)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. Don't throw away the scooped-out zucchini! You can sauté it and add it to the filling or use it in another recipe.
- In a bowl, combine the scooped-out zucchini flesh, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill each zucchini boat with the quinoa mixture.
- Top with the chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Get creative with your fillings: Try ground meat, Italian sausage, chicken, or different types of cheeses. You can even add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Omit the feta cheese and use a vegan alternative or leave it out entirely. Consider adding some chickpeas or black beans for extra protein.
- Meal prep friendly: These zucchini boats can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. This makes them a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Benefits:
Zucchini boats are a healthy and nutritious meal option. Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that's packed with vitamins and minerals. It's a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It's also a good source of fiber.
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