Cheesy Zucchini Boats

An adored dish in my home, this is my family's take on stuffed zucchini with a modern twist.

Prep time: ~ 30 min | Cooking time: 1 hour

You will need:

• zucchini ( 10 whole ones - big fam tings)
• minced meat (400g)
• onion (1)
• garlic (4 cloves)
• turmeric (1.5 tsp)
• cinnamon (1 tbsp)
• salt n pepper (per taste)
• tomatoes (4)
• walnuts (1/2 cup)
• shredded parmesan cheese or cheese of choice (1 cup)

How to:

1. Throw some diced onion in a heated pan and then add garlic and spices once it starts to lose color.
2. Next, add your minced meat to the mix followed by the chopped walnuts or your choice of nuts.

3.  Let the meat sit for 30 minutes on low-medium heat and then add your chopped tomatoes and a spoonful of tomato paste. Cover for another 15 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven at 200°C or 392°F.

5. Cut your zucchini in half and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Don't toss it, we're gonna use it to make a quick and delicious side dish!

6. Place your waxed paper on a tray and drizzle some olive oil over. Stuff your naked zucchinis with meat before lining them on the tray.

7.  Top with your favorite shredded cheese and let sit in the oven for 15 minutes, then broil for another 2.

Enjoy! chef's kiss

Alternative Twist for your boat mix:

Instead of adding your tomatoes to the meat, you can let it heat in a separate pot, add a little water and your tomato paste.

Swap the baking sheet on your tray for a wider side tray and place your little boats in it.

Pour your tomato mix in the tray but make sure your boats don't sink!

The finished dish will bo softer and tangier and that much more delicious.

2.

Add bechamel sauce instead of cheese for a fun twist.

What about the leftover zucchini flesh?

Sauté a chopped onion, and then add the flesh and sprinkle some salt, pepper, and turmeric...and voila! You have yourself a perfect side dish to go with Arabic bread.