Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Lamb and Feta

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 1 extra large zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 pound ground lamb
• Coarse salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• cup crumbled feta cheese
• cup pine nuts
• cup mint leaves, chopped
• cup water
• cup seasoned bread crumbs
• cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450F (230C).
2. Use a melon baller to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the zucchini halves, leaving about a half-inch thick shell. Chop the zucchini pulp into small pieces (about inch in size). Discard the seeds.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking and stirring until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring until the lamb is lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Stir the chopped zucchini pulp into the lamb mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 3 minutes, until the zucchini is heated through. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
6. Season the lamb mixture with coarse salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat.
7. Stir in the tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, pine nuts, and cup of mint leaves into the lamb mixture. Spoon the filling into the hollowed zucchini halves.
8. Place the stuffed zucchini halves into a large baking dish. Pour cup of water into the bottom of the dish to keep the zucchini moist while baking.
9. Bake the stuffed zucchini in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. While the zucchini bakes, mix the bread crumbs and shredded mozzarella cheese in a small bowl.
11. After 30 minutes, remove the zucchini from the oven. Sprinkle the bread crumb and mozzarella mixture over the stuffed zucchini, then top with the remaining cup of mint leaves.
12. Return the zucchini to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crusty.
13. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Cook's Note: You can substitute basil for mint if you prefer a different flavor profile. If you do so, consider using ground beef, walnuts instead of pine nuts, and mozzarella cheese as the main cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.