Stuffed Zucchini with Tomatoes – How to Cook Stuffed Zucchini with Tomatoes

Stuffed Zucchini with Tomatoes – How to Cook Stuffed Zucchini with Tomatoes

Stuffed zucchini with tomatoes is a popular main dish in the Levant, the Maghreb, and Turkey. It is served as a main course for lunch, known for its irresistible aroma and unique taste. Zucchini is packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins, making it a healthy choice.

There are various ways to prepare stuffed zucchini, catering to different tastes, but this recipe focuses on the tomato-based version. Although it requires some time and effort, it’s well worth it. The dish can be prepared in just 40 minutes and serves six people.

Main Ingredients for Stuffed Zucchini with Tomatoes:

 

• ¾ cup of Egyptian rice (short-grain rice)
• 1 kilogram of small zucchinis
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 200 grams of minced meat
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of mixed spices
• ½ teaspoon of turmeric

Tomato Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can of tomato paste
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried mint

How to Prepare Stuffed Zucchini with Tomatoes:

Step 1:
Rinse the rice well and set it aside to soak for 15 minutes.

Step 2:
Meanwhile, core the zucchinis using a corer, carefully hollowing them out, and then rinse them thoroughly with water.

Step 3:
In a deep bowl, combine the rice, minced onion, ground meat, salt, black pepper, mixed spices, and turmeric. Mix the ingredients well to create the filling.

Step 4:
Stuff each zucchini with the filling one by one and set them aside until you’ve stuffed all the zucchinis.

Step 5:
For the tomato sauce, take a large pot and add the tomato paste, finely chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil, then gently add the stuffed zucchinis. Let them cook on medium heat for 40 minutes or until the zucchinis are fully cooked.

Step 6:
In a small frying pan, heat the sunflower oil and add the minced garlic. Stir continuously until the garlic turns golden, then add the dried mint. Pour this garlic-mint mixture over the stuffed zucchinis.

Step 7:
Transfer the stuffed zucchinis to a serving plate and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed zucchini with tomatoes!