Zucchini with Creamy Cheese Filling and Boiled Potatoes

 Ingredients: zucchini melted cheese slices mozzarella or another cheese that melts, possibly only melted cheese or Brie, Gorgonzola, Rochefort, or any cheese or mixture that can also be used for fondue (Gruyère, Emmental, etc.); I used mozzarella. Side dish: boiled potatoes (without salt as the cheese is salty enough)

Stuffed zucchini with cheese is an easy-to-make delicacy, perfect for a light dinner or as an appetizer at a party. We start by preparing the zucchinis, choosing fresh specimens with smooth, firm skin. The first step is to cut them to the desired size, making sure to keep a stable base so they can stand upright during baking. Using a sharp knife, we carefully scoop them out, leaving the bottom intact, similar to classic stuffed zucchinis, but with a well-defined shape.

After preparing them, we boil salted water in a large pot. It's important to wait until the water reaches a boiling point, as introducing the zucchinis into cold water will cause them to lose their vibrant hue. Once the water is boiling, we add the zucchinis using a slotted spatula. The boiling time varies depending on personal preference: some prefer crunchier zucchinis, others softer ones. Once boiled, we remove them with the slotted spatula and immediately toss them into a bowl of cold water, or ideally, water and ice. This method helps maintain the bright color and crunchy texture.

After the zucchinis have cooled, we proceed to fill them. We start by adding a slice of melted cheese to the inner sides of the zucchinis, ensuring it sticks well to the walls. Then, we fill the remaining cavity with a soft cheese, such as mozzarella, which will melt beautifully and create those appetizing strings. The cheese will add a delicious flavor and a pleasant contrast to the textures of the zucchinis.

After filling the zucchinis, we place them in a cooking dish. Depending on personal preference, we can choose to bake them in the oven or microwave them. If we opt for the microwave, we leave them for about 3 minutes at 850 watts, or until the cheese is completely melted. It is essential not to add extra salt, as the melted cheese on the inner walls of the zucchini is already salty.

If we want to serve the zucchinis with a side dish, we can boil some potatoes in salted water or prepare them in the microwave at the same time. This combination will create a balanced and savory dish, perfect for any occasion. Stuffed zucchinis with cheese are not only delicious but also an ingenious way to add vegetables to our diet. Enjoy them warm, with the melted cheese oozing out, and savor every bite!

 Tags:  potatoes zucchini cheese gluten-free recipes vegetarian recipes