Baked zucchini stuffed with vegetables and mushrooms

Here’s a recipe for Baked Zucchini Stuffed with Vegetables and Mushrooms—a flavorful and healthy dish that makes a great appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers, finely chopped (any color)
• 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar, optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the zucchini:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and a bit of the flesh to create boats. You can use a small spoon or a melon baller for this.
• Lightly brush the zucchini boats with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish.

2. Prepare the filling:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the chopped mushrooms and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender and any liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 7-10 minutes.
• Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened.
• Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

3. Stuff the zucchini:

• Spoon the vegetable and mushroom mixture into the prepared zucchini boats, packing it in gently.
• If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the stuffed zucchinis.

4. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is heated through. If you added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish and serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can mix some chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or pine nuts into the filling.
• You can also sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch.

These Baked Zucchini Stuffed with Vegetables and Mushrooms are versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices. Enjoy!