Ingredients
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4 medium zucchini
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1 medium onion, minced
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1/2 green pepper, chopped
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2 garlic cloves
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2 thyme, sprigs
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1/4-1/2 teaspoon oregano
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salt and pepper
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3/4 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, fish, 1 can of tuna, or other veggies...you get the idea)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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8 slices cheese (any kind really, we use Gouda or Gruyere, though this really is a matter of personal preference)
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1 egg, beaten
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1 (7 ounce) can roasted red peppers, chopped
Instructions
- Wash zucchini, and put in a pot of cold water (do not remove ends).
- Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes, maybe a little longer depending on the size of your zucchini.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a fairly large skillet.
- Saute garlic first, then add onions, green pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- When the veggies begin to soften, add ground meat (or whatever you are using), season with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- When the zucchini have cooked through, remove from water, and allow to cool enough to handle.
- Slice cooled zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out center, leaving a little veggie flesh to form a"boat.
- "Mix ground meat mixture with the red peppers, and the scooped out zucchini (chopped), and the egg.
- Fill the zucchini boats with the mixture, and top each with a slice of cheese.
- Bake in a 375ºF oven for 20-30 minutes, until heated through, and cheese begins to bubble and brown.
- Serve hot.
- Note: If making this dish with tuna or fish, I like to add a little mayo or garlic mayo, and substitute the raw egg for a hard boiled and chopped one.