Greek Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These Greek stuffed zucchini boats are a light and colorful summertime dish. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, but with endless variation options, it's a meal that can please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-large zucchini (about 2.5 pounds)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for seasoning the zucchini
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 14.5 oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes
- 14.5 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF.
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or a melon baller (you just want something with a slightly sharp edge), leaving about 1/4 inch of the zucchini around the sides and bottom.
- Rub the zucchini with a little olive oil and season freely with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then lay them cut side down on the baking tray. Cook for 10 minutes.
Make the stuffing
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- While the pan heats up, dice the green pepper, onion, and carrot. Once hot, add the oil and diced veg to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the spices, salt, and pepper and allow to infuse into the veggies for a minute before adding the fire-roasted tomatoes and chickpeas.
- Cook for a few more minutes allowing some of the liquid to reduce down.
Stuff the zucchini
- With the cut side facing up, generously fill the stuffing into all the hollowed-out zucchini halves. (You'll have a little excess depending on the size of your zucchini).
- Put the stuffed zucchini back in the oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley (optional) and a dollop of greek-style yogurt if desired.
Notes
How can you make these Greek stuffed zucchini boats using what you already have? Here are some ideas…
- No green bell pepper? ➝ orange or yellow bell peppers will also work
- No yellow onion? ➝ use white or sweet onions
- Don't have all the spices? ➝ this is a blend of warm and earthy flavors so just use what you have
- No fire-roasted tomatoes? ➝ canned diced tomatoes will also work
- More variations ➝ If you're not into the Greek flavors, you can also make taco stuffed zucchini boats, pizza, Thai, etc. So many flavor possibilities!