Stuffed zucchini with minced meat

The rice is soaked in a little boiling water along with the dehydrated vegetables to enrich its flavor and hydrate properly. This is the stage where the vegetables will release their nutrients and taste, enhancing the final dish. Meanwhile, the leek is carefully cleaned by removing the outer leaves and damaged parts, and then cut into pieces about 10 cm long from the thickest part. These pieces of leek are blanched in salted water for a few minutes until they become slightly tender but not overly soft, so they retain their shape. After blanching, they are immediately transferred to cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant color. Carefully, the center of the leek is removed, leaving tubes with two layers.

Once the leek is prepared, it is time to fill them. In a large bowl, the minced meat is mixed with the soaked rice, a raw egg, finely chopped onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be homogeneous, and the spices evenly distributed to ensure a balanced flavor in every bite. Once the mixture is ready, the leek tubes are carefully filled, taking care not to break them, and placed in an oven-safe dish.

To create a delicious sauce to accompany the dish, the tomato paste is mixed with a little cold water, then the wine and the rest of the water are added, enough to cover the leek tubes. This combination will add a rich and complex flavor. Don't forget to add the bay leaf for an extra touch of aroma. The dish is placed in the preheated oven, and it is cooked at a moderate temperature for about 40 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes dense, and the leek becomes soft and flavorful. In the end, this dish will be not only nutritious but also colorful and flavorful, perfect for a family meal or special occasions.

 Ingredients: - 2 thick leek stalks, - 300 g minced meat, - 80 g rice, - 1 egg, - 1-2 onions, - 2 tablespoons dehydrated vegetables, - 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves, - 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste, - 200 ml semi-dry white wine, - 200 ml water, - 1 teaspoon ground pepper, - 1 bay leaf.

 Tags:  eggs onion meat rice broth wine gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes