Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Zucchini with Quinoa

These Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Zucchini boats are a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring tender zucchini filled with a savory mix of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfectly balanced and nutritious, this dish is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium-sized
• Quinoa - 1/2 cup (uncooked)
• Vegetable broth - 1 cup
• Bell pepper - 1/2 cup, diced
• Carrot - 1/2 cup, grated
• Spinach - 1 cup, chopped
• Onion - 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup, grated
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Cook the quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions, about 15 minutes.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add bell pepper, carrot, and spinach to the skillet, cooking until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. Once the quinoa is cooked, combine it with the sautéed vegetables and half of the mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Mix well.
7. Stuff the zucchini halves with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
8. Top each stuffed zucchini with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
• High in protein and fiber from quinoa, promoting satiety.

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