Ingredients
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth or water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons harissa paste
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Creating Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini with Harissa Butter is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until fluffy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Zucchini: While the quinoa cooks, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving about ¼-inch of flesh around the edges. Reserve the scooped flesh.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft.
5. Add Peppers and Spices: Toss in the diced bell pepper, reserved zucchini flesh, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7. Stuff the Zucchini: Spoon the quinoa mixture generously into each zucchini half. Place them in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
8. Prepare Harissa Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with harissa paste. Drizzle over the stuffed zucchinis.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the zucchinis are tender and lightly browned.
10. Serve Hot: Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These simple steps will ensure you create a stunning and delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g