Ground Lamb-Stuffed Zucchini Mediterranean (Printable Version)
Tender zucchini filled with aromatic lamb, herbs and Mediterranean spices, baked to perfection in a light tomato sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Zucchini Boats
01 -
4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ For the Filling
04 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
05 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
06 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
07 -
250g ground lamb
08 -
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
09 -
½ cup cooked rice (optional)
10 -
1 tablespoon tomato paste
11 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 -
1 teaspoon ground coriander
13 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 -
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
15 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ For the Tomato Sauce
16 -
½ cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
17 -
½ cup water or broth
18 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
19 -
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar
→ For Garnish
20 -
Fresh parsley or mint
21 -
Olive oil for drizzling
# Steps To Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon, creating boats. Reserve some of the flesh for the filling. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place in a baking dish.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes), then add garlic. Add ground lamb and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in tomato, reserved zucchini flesh, tomato paste, and spices. Mix in cooked rice, herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until well combined and slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
03 -
Spoon the lamb mixture into each zucchini boat, pressing down slightly to compact the filling.
04 -
In a bowl, mix tomato puree, water or broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Pour the sauce around the stuffed zucchini in the baking dish.
05 -
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until tops are lightly browned and zucchini is tender.
06 -
Garnish with chopped herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm as a main course or mezze with yogurt or flatbread.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
This Mediterranean-style dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking.