Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1/2 lb. of ground pork
- 1/2 lb. of kulen sausage, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of cooked rice
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Special equipment needed:
- A sharp knife
- A spoon
- A baking dish
- A pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the ends of the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and flesh with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh around the edges.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, kulen sausage, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff the zucchini halves with the meat mixture, pressing it down firmly.
5. Brush the zucchini halves with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the meat is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 360
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 590mg
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of pork.
- Chorizo or any spicy sausage can be used instead of kulen sausage.
- Quinoa or couscous can be used instead of rice.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Any hard cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture.
- Top the stuffed zucchinis with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking.
- Use eggplant or bell peppers instead of zucchinis.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to scoop out the seeds and flesh of the zucchinis evenly to create a hollow space for the stuffing.
- Press the meat mixture down firmly into the zucchini halves to prevent it from falling apart.
- Brushing the zucchinis with olive oil will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover stuffed zucchinis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the stuffed zucchinis in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed zucchinis on a bed of greens or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the zucchinis are not cooking evenly, cover the baking dish with foil and continue baking until tender.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the meat mixture to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
Kulen sausage is a traditional Croatian sausage made from ground pork and paprika. It is often used in Croatian cuisine to add flavor and spice to dishes.
Flavor profiles:
The kulen sausage adds a spicy and smoky flavor to the meat mixture, while the zucchinis provide a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the stuffed zucchinis as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.
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