Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Chickpeas and Lentils

Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Chickpeas and Lentils is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the earthiness of legumes with the fresh crunch of zucchini. This healthy lunch option is not only filling but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1/2 cup cooked lentils
• 1 small onion - diced
• 2 cloves garlic - minced
• 1 medium tomato - diced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley - chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center flesh to create boats, leaving about 0.5 cm of flesh at the bottom.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomato to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the cooked chickpeas and lentils, along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
7. Fill the zucchini boats with the chickpea and lentil mixture, pressing down lightly to pack the filling.
8. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the stuffed zucchini boats.
9. Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from chickpeas and lentils.
• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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