Stuffed zucchini with cheese

Stuffed zucchini with cheese - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Stuffed zucchini with cheese is a culinary delight that combines the soft texture of zucchini with the flavor of cheese and fresh dill. This recipe is perfect for a light dinner or as an appetizer at a festive meal. Here’s how to prepare this hearty and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

- 4 medium zucchinis
- 200 g cheese (feta, ricotta, or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg (optional, for sweet cheese)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50 g grated cheese (optional, for topping)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well under running water. Cut off the ends and, using a knife or spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1 cm edge. This will create a perfect container for the filling. Keep the flesh, as you will use it later.

2. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, add the chosen cheese (feta is preferred for its salty flavor), the egg (if using sweet cheese), and the chopped dill. If you want more flavor, you can also add some crushed garlic or green onion. Mix everything well until you get a homogeneous mixture. Taste and add salt and pepper, to your liking.

3. Filling the zucchinis: Using a spoon, fill each zucchini with the cheese mixture, being careful not to leave any empty spaces. If you want an extra flavor, sprinkle grated cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini.

4. Cooking: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the stuffed zucchinis in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they become slightly browned.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the zucchinis to the baking tray and add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the tray to prevent drying. Bake the zucchinis for 25 minutes or until they are well cooked and the cheese on top is golden.

6. Serving: Once the zucchinis are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can garnish them with fresh dill and accompany them with a green salad or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Practical tips:

- If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the cheese with tofu or vegan cheese.
- Experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano to add a different note.
- Stuffed zucchinis can also be prepared on the grill for a smoky flavor.

This recipe for stuffed zucchini with cheese is not only simple and quick but also versatile, being able to be adapted according to personal preferences. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish, perfect for any occasion.

 Ingredients: - hollowed zucchini, sprinkled with salt and lemon pepper - sweet cheese + fresh dill - olive oil + a clove of garlic sautéed at the beginning and removed before adding the zucchinis