Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Feta and Walnut Filling
These delightful Mediterranean Zucchini Boats bring together the rustic flavors of Greece in a wholesome and satisfying dish. Filled with a savory mixture of sautéed zucchini, sweet onion, aromatic garlic, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts, each zucchini boat is bursting with flavor. It makes for a perfect lunch option or a light dinner served alongside a fresh salad. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish will impress with its vibrant presentation and delectable taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4 (medium, halved and scooped out)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Onion
1 (chopped finely)
Garlic
1 clove (chopped finely (more if preferred))
Greek feta cheese
2 ounces (crumbled)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (white or whole wheat)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Fresh dill
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the zucchinis and parboil for 3 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool.
2
2. Once cool enough to handle, carefully slice a thin strip from the top of each zucchini. With a sharp knife, gently score around the inner edges of each zucchini and scoop out the flesh with a teaspoon, leaving a sturdy shell.
3
3. Finely chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set aside.
4
4. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Incorporate the chopped zucchini flesh and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the mixture is golden brown. Remove the pan from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
5
5. Once cooled, stir in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
6. Fill each zucchini shell with the prepared stuffing, ensuring it is packed well. Arrange the stuffed zucchinis in an ovenproof dish, side by side, and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
7
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown. For an extra crunch, broil for an additional 2 minutes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the wholesome flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Feta and Walnut Filling?
It is a wholesome and savory Mediterranean dish featuring zucchinis stuffed with a mixture of sautéed zucchini flesh, onion, garlic, feta cheese, walnuts, and breadcrumbs.
How many zucchinis are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 medium zucchinis, which are halved and scooped out to create the boats.
What is the first step in preparing the zucchinis?
You must bring a large pot of water to a boil and parboil the zucchinis for 3 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly firm.
How do you stop the zucchinis from overcooking after parboiling?
After parboiling for 3 minutes, drain the zucchinis and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
How do you scoop out the zucchini flesh?
Once cool, slice a thin strip from the top, score around the inner edges with a sharp knife, and use a teaspoon to scoop out the flesh.
Is the scooped-out zucchini flesh used in the recipe?
Yes, the flesh should be finely chopped and sautéed with onion and garlic to become part of the filling.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil are used: 2 for sautéing the filling and 1 for drizzling over the boats before baking.
How long should you sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they have softened.
How long do you cook the chopped zucchini flesh in the pan?
The chopped zucchini flesh should be sautéed for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
When should the feta and walnuts be added to the filling?
They should be stirred in once the sautéed zucchini mixture has been removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of crumbled Greek feta cheese.
Are there nuts in the Mediterranean Zucchini Boats?
Yes, the filling includes 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended for the filling?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of breadcrumbs, which can be either white or whole wheat.
Is there an egg in the recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to bind the filling ingredients together.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The filling is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh dill, along with salt and pepper to taste.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the zucchini boats.
How do you arrange the zucchinis in the baking dish?
Arrange the stuffed zucchinis side by side in an ovenproof dish.
Do you need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for the first 30 minutes.
How long do the zucchini boats bake without foil?
After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
For an extra crunch, you can broil the zucchini boats for an additional 2 minutes after the regular baking time.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian.
Is this dish suitable for a light meal?
Yes, it is perfect for a lunch option or a light dinner, especially when served with a fresh salad.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 1 clove of garlic, chopped finely, though you can add more if preferred.
What is the origin of the flavors in this dish?
The dish features rustic flavors and ingredients typical of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
How long does the entire sautéing process take for the filling?
The sautéing process takes approximately 10 minutes in total.
Should the zucchini shells be packed tightly?
The instructions recommend ensuring the stuffing is packed well into each zucchini shell.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 40 and 45 minutes.
Can I use more garlic than the recipe suggests?
Yes, the recipe allows for more than 1 clove of garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and healthy Mediterranean dish.
How should the finished zucchini boats be served?
They should be served hot to best enjoy the savory flavors and textures.