Vegetarian Greek Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats Food

GREEK VEGETARIAN STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and, using a teaspoon, remove most of the flesh, leaving 1/2-inch-thick shells. Coarsely chop half of the flesh; discard the remaining flesh or reserve for another use. Place the zucchini shells on a baking sheet; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until the zucchini starts to soften, 10 to 13 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped zucchini, onion, garlic, paprika and 2 teaspoons oregano; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in quinoa, tomatoes, olives and feta. Divide evenly among the zucchini shells.
• Switch the oven to broil and place a rack 8 inches from the heat. Broil the filled zucchini shells until the tops are lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano.

VEGETARIAN GREEK LENTIL STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Scoop out center of zucchini halves to create a shell, and place in a 9x13 glass baking dish. (Discard zucchini flesh, which is mostly seeds)
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for feta cheese and parsley. Add half of the feta cheese to the quinoa lentil mixture and stir to combine.
• Evenly scoop lentil mixture into zucchini halves and top with remaining cheese.
• Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender. Remove from oven, and top with chopped parsley before serving.

VEGETARIAN STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut zucchini lengthwise in half; scoop out centers onto cutting board, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shells. Place shells in 9-inch square baking dish; set aside.
• Chop zucchini pulp; place in medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the cheese, the tomatoes, cracker crumbs and basil; mix lightly. Spoon evenly into zucchini shells; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
• Bake 15 min. or until heated through.

VEGETARIAN ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and trim a little off of the bottoms so that they will sit flat in the baking dish. Scoop out the centers, where the seeds are, with a spoon.
• Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a cup or bowl. Brush over the inner surfaces of the zucchini boats. Arrange tomatoes into the grooves and sprinkle bread crumbs around and in between to fill in the gaps.
• Bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn the oven's broiler on.
• Place mozzarella cheese around and on top of the tomatoes. Return to the oven and broil until golden brown and bubbling, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the oven. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

VEGETARIAN GREEK STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375*F.
• Lightly oil a baking sheet.
• Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise.
• With a paring knife, score the flesh about 1/2 inch deep.
• Place the cut sides down on the baking sheet.
• Sprinkle with the sherry and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 20 minutes, until yielding but still firm.
• While the zucchini bakes, make the sauce.
• Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onions and garlic, and saute for about 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
• Add the tomato paste, tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, and sherry.
• Then bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add the salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and set aside.
• While the sauce is simmering, prepare the filling.
• Saute the onions and garlic in the oil for about 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
• In a bowl, combine the sauteed onions with the walnuts, feta, currants, and lemon juice.
• Stir in the rice.
• When the zucchini is tender, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin 1/4 inch shell.
• Chop the flesh and add it to the filling.
• Mound the filling in the shells and sprinkle with seasoned bread crumbs and olive oil, if desired.
• Bake, uncovered, for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• To serve, ladle some of the tomato sauce onto each plate.
• Place a stuffed zucchini on the sauce and top with grated feta.
• Garnish with oregano leaves, if you wish.
• Enjoy!