Stuffed Zucchini with Meat

INGREDIENTS (Serves: 5)

5 medium zucchini
2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
1-2 pinches salt
¾ cup water
Meat Stuffing:
2 slices bread
½ lb ground beef
1 large egg
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½-1 tsp. Parsley
½ tsp. Basil
½ tsp. Oregano
½ tsp. Salt
½-1 clove garlic, minced

STEPS

1. Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, hollow out the zucchini, rinse and set aside;
2. In a small bowl soak the bread for about 30 seconds in either water/milk;
3. Remove the crust and squeeze out the excess moisture, crumble and place in a medium bowl, add the ground beef, egg, parmesan cheese, spices, and garlic, mix well;
4. Stuff the meatball mixture into the zucchini;
5. In a medium to large drying pan add 2 tablespoons of oil and place the stuffed zucchini in the pan, sprinkle with a pinch or 2 of salt and extra spices if desired;
6. Drizzle with approximately 1 tablespoon of olive oil;
7. Add the water, cover the pan slightly;
8. Cook on low/medium heat until the zucchini is tender and water has evaporated;
9. Raise the heat, uncover the pan and cook till zucchini is slightly browned, turn and brown the other side

TIPS

1. Don’t want to waste you zucchini? You can add the zucchini that was removed from the middle back to the stuffing. Chop it small and add it into the meatball mixture.

WELLNESS TIPS

1. Zucchini has multiple health benefits. Its high vitamin A content protects eyes and aid with vision.
2. Zucchini pasta, a popular substitute for regular grain-based pasta, help control carbohydrate intake and thus control blood glucose.
3. It also help with lowering “bad” cholesterol.
4. Other than vitamin A zucchini is also high in vitamin B, manganese, magnesium, and potassium

Recipe adapted from: https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/zucchini-stuffed-with-meat/