Moroccan Stuffed Zucchini

Moroccan Stuffed Zucchini is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that combines the earthiness of spices with fresh vegetables, creating a delightful bite. This dairy-free dish showcases the rich culinary traditions of Morocco, making it a unique addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 medium
• Quinoa - 100 grams
• Water - 250 milliliters
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Red onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Chickpeas - 100 grams, canned and rinsed
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse quinoa under cold water and then cook it in a saucepan with 250 milliliters of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the zucchinis by slicing them in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds with a spoon to create boats.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.
5. Add the chopped red bell pepper, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften.
6. Stir in the cooked quinoa and chickpeas, mixing well. Remove from heat and add chopped parsley and lemon juice to the mixture.
7. Stuff the zucchini halves generously with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 11 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• High in plant-based protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

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