Elevate your vegetable game with these irresistible stuffed zucchini that transform a simple summer squash into a gourmet masterpiece. Combining the rich, savory flavors of sausage meat with the creamy texture of Parmesan and the fresh essence of herbs, this dish promises to become a new family favorite. Perfect for a hearty lunch, light dinner, or impressive appetizer, these stuffed zucchini boats deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini
- 4 medium zucchini (straight preferred)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the Stuffing
- 300-350g sausage meat (or Toulouse sausages)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 60g Parmesan cheese (or Grana Padano)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (or basil)
- Pinch of dried oregano (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed)
For the Gratin Topping
- Additional grated Parmesan
- Optional breadcrumbs
US Measurements: 4 medium zucchini, 10.5-12.3 oz sausage meat, 1.7 oz breadcrumbs, 2.1 oz Parmesan, 1 egg Metric Measurements: 4 medium zucchini, 300-350g sausage meat, 50g breadcrumbs, 60g Parmesan, 1 egg
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash zucchini
- Cut in half lengthwise
- Gently scoop out pulp, leaving 1 cm shell
- Lightly salt inside of zucchini
- Place upside down on cloth to release water
- Roughly chop removed pulp for stuffing
2. Prepare the Stuffing
- Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent
- Add garlic and chopped zucchini pulp
- Cook 5 minutes to evaporate water
- Remove from heat
- Mix in:
- Sausage meat
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Add milk if mixture is too dry
- Blend until smooth
3. Stuff and Prepare for Baking
- Lightly oil baking dish
- Arrange zucchini halves
- Fill generously with stuffing
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and optional breadcrumbs
4. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Bake 30-35 minutes
- Cook until zucchini is tender
- Top should be golden brown
Cooking Details
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- High in protein
- Good source of vegetables
- Rich in calcium from Parmesan
Why These Stuffed Zucchini Shine
This dish represents the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. Zucchini provides a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vessel for the rich, savory sausage stuffing. The combination of herbs, cheese, and meat creates a complex flavor profile that elevates the humble vegetable to a gourmet experience.
Pro Tips
- Choose straight zucchini for easier stuffing
- Don’t skip salting and draining zucchini
- Adjust moisture with milk if needed
- Can be prepared in advance and baked later
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with light green salad
- Pair with crisp white wine
- Excellent as main course or side dish
- Great for meal prep
Variations
- Use ground chicken or turkey for lighter version
- Experiment with different herbs
- Add pine nuts for extra crunch
Bon appétit!