Kalamari Gemisto

Kalamari Gemisto is a delightful vegetarian twist on the traditional Greek stuffed calamari, filled with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and feta cheese. This dish embodies the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, making it a perfect light dinner option.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium
• Short-grain rice - 100 grams
• Feta cheese - 100 grams, crumbled
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Red onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh dill - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions until soft. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, cooked rice, crumbled feta, parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
4. While the filling is cooking, prepare the zucchini by cutting off the ends and slicing them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a hollow space for the filling.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. Stuff each zucchini half with the rice and feta mixture, packing it in generously.
7. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and slightly golden on top.
9. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini and tomatoes.
• High in protein and calcium due to feta cheese.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, promoting heart health.

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