Sunday December 10, 2023

Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delectable and nutritious dish that will entice both your taste buds and your health-conscious side.
This keto-friendly recipe presents a creative twist on traditional zucchini by filling them with a scrumptious mixture of lean ground turkey, Mediterranean herbs, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
The result is a burst of flavors that perfectly align with the principles of the keto diet.
Nutritionally, these zucchini boats are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, providing a low-carb option for those following a keto lifestyle.
They are high in protein, aiding in muscle maintenance and feeling satiated for longer periods.
Pair these boats with a fresh Greek salad or a refreshing tzatziki sauce to enhance their Mediterranean essence. The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal effort.
They can be baked in the oven for approximately 25 minutes, making them a convenient weeknight dinner option.
Zucchini boats have a shelf life of about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months for longer-term storage.
Celebrities like Halle Berry and LeBron James have been known to incorporate keto-friendly dishes like Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats into their diets.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1 pound ground turkey (or chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the centers, creating “boats.”
- Set aside the scooped-out zucchini pulp for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey (or chicken) to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced tomatoes, reserved zucchini pulp, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives.
- Mix until everything is well combined.
- Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Fill each boat with the turkey mixture, pressing it down slightly to fit as much filling as possible.
- Bake the stuffed zucchini boats in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the tops are lightly browned.
- Once done, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.