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Delightful Greek Snack: Stuffed Zucchini Boats (Vegetarian)

Discover a delicious and easy-to-make Greek snack with these scrumptious stuffed zucchini boats, filled with mouthwatering flavors of feta cheese, aromatic herbs, and juicy tomatoes. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for impressing your friends and family at your next gathering or as a side dish.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 30 minutes - Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Difficulty: Easy
🌎 Cuisine: Greek

Allergens

Dairy (Feta Cheese)

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Fresh lemon juice for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise, creating boats without removing their centers. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch thick shells.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, basil leaves, Kalamata olives, red onion, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Fill each zucchini boat with the tomato feta mixture, pressing gently to pack them in. Arrange the stuffed zucchinis on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired.

Chef’s Insight

The secret to perfect zucchini boats lies in the right balance of seasoning and filling ingredients. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or even meats for a non-vegetarian option.

Notes

For a more complex flavor, consider marinating the tomatoes and olives before combining with other ingredients.

Cultural or Historical Background

Stuffed vegetables like these zucchini boats are a popular part of Greek cuisine, showcasing the abundance of fresh produce and flavors found in Mediterranean cooking.