Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini

Craving a flavorful, wholesome meal that’s both light and filling? This Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini recipe is just what you need! Packed with a savory mix of rice, tomatoes, and herbs, all enhanced by the smooth, rich taste of Rallis Olive Oil, these stuffed zucchinis are a fresh take on a Mediterranean classic. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a casual lunch, this dish is healthy, delicious, and easy to make!

With a handful of basic ingredients, you can create something truly special—and the star of the show is our Rallis Olive Oil. This ice-pressed® organic olive oil elevates the flavors of the vegetables, making every bite more satisfying and vibrant.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Light yet satisfying: Zucchini is naturally low in calories but loaded with nutrients, making this dish wholesome and filling.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor: With just a few vegetables, rice, and spices, you can create a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Rallis Olive Oil enhances everything: The pure, rich flavor of our olive oil brings out the best in each ingredient.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 3 tablespoons Rallis Olive Oil
• 1 cup rice (Arborio or short-grain rice works best)
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a nice twist)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup grated cheese (optional for topping—feta or parmesan work great)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zucchinis:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Wash the zucchinis and cut off the tops. Hollow them out with a spoon, leaving about a ¼-inch thick shell to hold the filling.
• Set the hollowed zucchini boats in a greased baking dish, and finely chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh.

2. Make the Filling:

• Heat 3 tablespoons of Rallis Olive Oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender.
• Add the diced tomatoes and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to release the tomato juices.
• Stir in the rice, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix until the rice is coated with the tomato mixture.
• Pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes until the rice is partially cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• Remove from heat, stir in the chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Stuff the Zucchinis:

• Spoon the rice mixture into the hollowed zucchinis, gently pressing the filling in. Leave some space for the rice to expand as it cooks.
• In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with ½ cup of water or vegetable broth and pour this around the zucchinis in the baking dish.

4. Bake:

• Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle with grated cheese (if using), and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender and golden on top.

5. Serve:

• Allow the stuffed zucchinis to cool slightly before serving. For a final touch, drizzle with a bit more Rallis Olive Oil and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Zucchini:

• Use firm zucchinis: Fresh, firm zucchinis hold up better during baking and are easier to hollow out.
• Mix in extras: For added flavor, toss in some pine nuts into the rice mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
• Vegan option: Skip the cheese for a fully vegan version of this dish.

Why Choose Rallis Olive Oil?

The key to making this simple dish truly exceptional is the quality of the olive oil. Rallis Olive Oil is ice-pressed®, preserving the natural antioxidants and deep flavors of the olives. This gives the dish a rich, earthy taste that complements the fresh vegetables and herbs perfectly. It’s a true celebration of Mediterranean cooking, where high-quality olive oil makes all the difference.

Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Be sure to tag us with #RallisFamilyRecipes when you share your delicious creations.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini recipe, and don’t forget to drizzle a little extra Rallis Olive Oil to make it even better!