Description
A Croatian twist on a classic, these stuffed zucchini are filled with a savory turkey and rice mixture, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 5 medium size zucchini
- 1 lb (500 g) ground turkey meat (or ground beef, pork)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- A handful of rice
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Mashed potatoes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, combining all ingredients well.
- Fill the zucchini halves with the meat mixture, packing it in tightly.
- Place the stuffed zucchini in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the zucchini are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes if desired.
Notes
Zucchini provides a milder flavor compared to peppers, making this dish more subtle. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to pork or beef, but you can substitute with your preferred meat. Serve with mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini half
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 65 mg