Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy vegetarian dinner? Look no further! These stuffed courgettes are packed with flavour, vibrant vegetables, and a satisfying cheesy topping. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a more leisurely weekend lunch. It's a fantastic way to sneak extra veggies into your diet, and it's guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to dive into a world of flavour with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
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For the Courgettes:
- 2 medium-sized courgettes, halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Courgettes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the courgettes lengthwise and use a spoon to gently scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. Dice the scooped-out courgette flesh and set aside. Lightly brush the courgette halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, and diced courgette flesh. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Combine the Filling: Stir in the cooked quinoa, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
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Stuff the Courgettes: Spoon the vegetable mixture into the prepared courgette halves.
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Bake: Place the stuffed courgettes in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the courgettes are tender and the filling is heated through and slightly browned on top.
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Serve: Let the stuffed courgettes cool slightly before serving. They're delicious on their own or with a side salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Cheese alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or feta.
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled vegetarian sausage to the filling.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to stuff the courgettes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients used. A typical serving might contain approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy recipe for stuffed courgettes is a perfect example of healthy meals and delicious dishes. It's a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking creations. Enjoy!