| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 219 | 14g | 6g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 10g | 0.35g |
I have always been a fan of bold and adventurous recipes that tell a story through their flavors, and the Artichoke and Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini recipe ticks all those boxes for me. For me, this recipe takes me right back to heartwarming experiences in my kitchen, capturing the very essence of comfort and nourishment that food can offer. I believe that this one of a kind dish speaks of the diverse tastes that we can experience from the humble bounty of nature.
A Dance of Flavors
What sets the Artichoke and Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini apart from other vegetable dishes is the intriguing blend of taste profiles that it brings to the table. The naturally earthy yet slightly sweet flavor of zucchini balances beautifully with the tangy and salty notes of feta and parmesan cheese. The subtle but distinct flavors of artichoke hearts, garlic, and basil offer a depth of taste that is both tantalizing and comforting. It is this dance of flavors, that miraculously manage to remain distinct while creating a harmonious blend, that has me falling in love with this recipe over and over again.
Boost for Health
Aside from the absolute delight to the tastebuds, another reason why this dish is close to my heart is because of the health benefits associated with it. Zucchini has a high water content and is rich in vitamins A, C, and B-6. It also contains riboflavin, folate and has a good amount of minerals like potassium and manganese. Medical News Today notes that it’s beneficial for digestion, reducing blood sugar levels, and improving heart health. The antioxidants like lutein present in zucchini also help in boosting eye health. The incorporation of artichokes promotes gut health, while feta cheese provides a good amount of calcium. And let’s not forget the olive oil, a heart-healthy fat packed with antioxidants.
This Artichoke and Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini recipe is reminiscent of Mediterranean flavors – fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying, and is a great alternative to classic vegetable gratin or stuffed pepper dishes. I often pair this with a simple grilled chicken or fish recipe, like this one from Bon Appétit, enhancing the meal experience with its wealth of flavors.
So, whether you’re looking for something hearty to satisfy those cravings on a cold night, or want a nourishing dish that reminds you of sunny summer afternoons in the Mediterranean, this Artichoke and Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini recipe has got you covered.
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, canned or frozen
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Meanwhile, slice the zucchinis lengthwise. Scoop out the insides to create a hollow boat, leaving a 1/4 inch border. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set it aside.
Step Two
Take a frying pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced red onion and minced garlic into the pan. Sauté for around 2-3 minutes until they are softened.
Step Three
Next, stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and the chopped zucchini flesh with the onions and garlic in the frying pan. Continue to sauté for 5-6 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step Four
Remove the pan from the heat. Add in the crumbled feta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step Five
Place the hollowed-out zucchini boats on a baking tray. Spoon the mixture from the frying pan into the zucchini boats equally.
Step Six
Bake the stuffed zucchinis in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the tops are golden brown.
Step Seven
Allow the dishes to cool for a 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious and healthy Artichoke and Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini.
