Stuffed Zucchini With Fresh Tomato
Creamy stuffed zucchini with fresh tomato, garlic, and Parmesan offers a savory, comforting dish rich in flavors, perfect for family dinners and vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash zucchini; cut off stems.
- Cut each zucchini in half crosswise.
- In a large saucepan, cook zucchini in boiling water with 1/2 teaspoon salt, covered, for 5 minutes or until just tender.
- Drain well; cool and scoop out seeds.
- In a skillet, melt butter.
- Saute garlic until golden; remove and discard.
- Add onion; saute until golden.
- Add tomato, rice, oregano, salt, and cayenne; toss with a fork to mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, a mix of mozzarella and cheddar works well. For added freshness, toss in some chopped basil or parsley. When cooking the zucchini, make sure not to overcook them to maintain a slight crunch, perfect for Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed zucchinis make a delightful main dish or side. Serve them with a light Greek Chickpeas Salad for a balanced meal, or pair with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier option. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top adds a nice touch. They are perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the stuffed zucchini in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven method keeps the zucchini from getting soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Zucchini With Fresh Tomato contains roughly 583 calories, with 20g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (235% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1637mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like feta for a tangy flavor or mozzarella for a creamier texture. Mixing cheeses can also create a unique flavor profile that complements the stuffing well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based cheese alternative. Additionally, you can replace the rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
Can I prepare the stuffed zucchini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just scoop out the zucchini and fill them right before baking to ensure they stay fresh and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).