Experience the savory delight of Colombian-Style Zucchini Rellenos, a flavorful dish featuring zucchini stuffed with a hearty mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices. Baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese, these rellenos are a satisfying and nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 large zucchinis
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Trim the ends of the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the centers to create boats, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, saut until softened.
- Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Add diced red bell pepper, tomato, frozen peas, and corn (if using) to the skillet. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Fill each zucchini boat with the meat and vegetable mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
- Place filled zucchini boats in the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each zucchini boat.
- Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve Colombian-Style Zucchini Rellenos hot and enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish!
Colombian-Style Zucchini Rellenos are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining tender zucchini with a savory meat and vegetable filling. This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course and is sure to satisfy your cravings for a wholesome and delicious meal.
