Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped dill
- 1/2 cup chopped mint
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the zucchinis and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Reserve the flesh in a mixing bowl.
3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the hollowed-out zucchinis and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In the mixing bowl with the reserved zucchini flesh, add the ground beef, chopped onion, cooked rice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped tomato, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stuff the zucchinis with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the beef is cooked through.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 27g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Quinoa or couscous can be used instead of rice.
- Cilantro can be used instead of parsley.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers to the beef mixture.
- Top the stuffed zucchinis with grated cheese before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to scoop out the zucchini flesh carefully to avoid breaking the zucchinis.
- Use a spoon to press the beef mixture into the zucchinis to ensure they are tightly packed.
- If the zucchinis are not standing upright in the baking dish, cut a thin slice off the bottom to create a flat surface.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed zucchinis on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Greek salad
- Tabbouleh
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the zucchinis are not cooking through, cover the baking dish with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- If the beef mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water or tomato sauce.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the beef mixture to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
Stuffed zucchinis are a popular dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and herbaceous with a slight sweetness from the zucchinis.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple salad.
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Region: Turkish