Stuffed Zucchini Boats

A delicious blend of summer zucchini, tomatoes and herbs, paired with seasoned ground turkey and quinoa.

SERVINGS

6

PREP TIME

35 min

COOK TIME

1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4
    pounds medium-sized zucchini
  • 3
    tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1
    pound ground turkey
  • 3/4
    cup finely chopped onion
  • 2
    tablespoons minced garlic, divided
  • 1/3
    cup currants or raisins
  • 1 1/4
    teaspoons sea salt, divided
  • 1 1/4
    pounds fresh Roma tomatoes
  • 3/4
    cup cooked L&B Quinoa (approximately 1/4 cup uncooked)
  • 1/3
    cup Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped, divided
  • 1/3
    cup fresh dill, chopped, divided
  • 3/4
    cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated, divided
  • 1
    teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 375 F.

  2. 2

    Trim zucchini ends. Halve lengthwise and scoop out inner flesh with a spoon or melon baller, leaving a “boat” for the stuffing. Finely chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet on medium high heat, sauté 2 tablespoons oil, reserved chopped zucchini, ground turkey, onion, minced garlic (reserve 1 teaspoon), currants and 1 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes until liquid is evaporated and turkey is thoroughly cooked.

  4. 4

    Halve tomatoes, remove core, and put in blender or food processor with ¼ teaspoon salt and remaining garlic. Puree on high until completely smooth.

  5. 5

    Coat a 9×13 baking pan with remaining olive oil. Pour tomato sauce in pan.

  6. 6

    Combine the ground turkey mixture with cooked quinoa, herbs (reserve 1 tablespoon of each herb), ½ cup cheese and ½ teaspoon of pepper; mix well. Spoon mixture into the zucchini boats and arrange on top of tomato sauce in baking pan. Top with any remaining meat and quinoa mixture.

  7. 7

    Cover pan with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes. Garnish with remaining herbs and cheese and serve.