DIY Chef: Zucchini Boats

If you've recently had an explosion of veggies in your garden and you're not quite sure how to use all of them up, here is a yummy zucchini recipe just for you! Here's how I did it.

Tools:
4-5 small zucchini and/or yellow squash (will feed 2 adults)
ground turkey (or substitute mushrooms for vegetarian version)
red bell pepper
purple onion
parsley
bread crumbs
olive oil
fresh parmesan
garlic
salt
pepper
frying pan
sharp serrated knife
baking stone or cookie sheet
cutting board

Step 1: Wash & cut zucchini and squash in half lengthwise. Microwave on high for 5 minutes to get rid of excess water.

 

Step 2: Cut 2 shallow slits (don't cut all the way through) into zuchini, to make it easier to scoop out middle.

 

Step 3: Scoop out middle to create "boat" for delicious filling. I used a measuring spoon to scoop.

 

Step 4: Brown ground turkey in pan. For vegetarian version, saute mushrooms in a little olive oil.

 

Step 5: Chop onion, red pepper and parsley. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

 

Step 6: Add chopped veggies, salt, pepper and garlic to browned meat (or mushrooms). Cook for 5 minutes.

  

Step 7: Fill boats with cooked filling mixture.

 

Step 8: Prepare bread crumb topping. In a small bowl mix 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup olive oil and 1 cup parmesan.

 

Step 9: Sprinkle topping onto boats. Add salt and pepper to top.

 

Step 10: Place on baking stone or cookie sheet and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

 Note: You can serve with a balsamic reduction or by themselves. 

Now you have a delicious main course straight from your garden!

Happy cooking,

Grace