Zucchini Boats With Ham And Vegetable Stuffing
Zucchini boats filled with savory ham, vegetables, and herbs offer a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the zucchini lengthwise in half and scoop out the inside, leaving a 1/2-inch shell. Chop the scooped-out zucchini into small pieces.
- Place the zucchini halves cut side down in a pan large enough to hold them. Fill the pan with one inch of hot water.
- Bake in the oven until the shells soften slightly, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- While the zucchini is softening, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent.
- Add peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes, dried tarragon, dried thyme, and minced parsley. Cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in the diced cooked ham and cooked zucchini pieces. Cook until heated through.
- Remove the zucchini shells from the oven and drain any excess water.
- Fill the zucchini shells with the ham and vegetable stuffing.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the oven until golden and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the ham with grilled chicken or use mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You can also add different herbs like basil or oregano for varied flavors. If using larger zucchinis, increase baking time to ensure they soften. Try experimenting with spices to match your taste preference or incorporate leftover vegetables from your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these zucchini boats with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Eggplant Stew (Berenjenas Guisadas) for a flavorful dinner. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking can also enhance the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but it may make the zucchini a bit soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Boats With Ham And Vegetable Stuffing contains roughly 611 calories, with 10g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1229mg per serving (53% 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 prepare the zucchini boats ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini boats in advance. Stuff them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ham in this recipe?
If you want to avoid ham, consider using cooked turkey, shredded chicken, or even a mix of beans for a vegetarian option. Tofu can also be a great substitute, absorbing the flavors of the seasonings used.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture. You could also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for an extra kick.
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).