Stuffed Baked Courgettes Recipes

CRISPY STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking tray or sheet with non stick cooking oil spray.
• Arrange zucchini halves, cut side up, on the baking sheet. Set aside.
• Mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley and garlic in a small bowl.
• Pour in the melted butter, season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ⅓ teaspoon pepper (or to taste). Mix the ingredients together until the breadcrumbs absorb the butter (about 40 seconds).
• Spoon the mixture over each zucchini half, to evenly cover. Spray the topping with a little cooking oil spray.
• Bake for 20 minutes in the hot oven until the crust is golden and the zucchini halves are cooked through.
• Broil for a further 5 minutes on medium heat to crisp the topping.
• Garnish with parsley and serve as a side accompaniment to any main dish.

ITALIAN STUFFED COURGETTES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Place the courgettes in a single layer in a shallow ovenproof dish, fairly tightly together, cut-side up. Brush lightly with 1 tsp oil and bake for 20 mins.
• To make the stuffing, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and season with lots of black pepper.
• Sprinkle the stuffing on top of the courgettes and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Bake for a further 10-15 mins or until the courgettes are softened and the topping is golden and crisp. Serve hot with a mixed salad.

STUFFED BAKED COURGETTES WITH GARLIC & HERB CRUMBS & PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Carefully scoop out and discard the watery core from the courgettes using a teaspoon, leaving a 1cm border. This should give you a 'boat' shape for the filling.
• Put the garlic, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, thyme and a pinch of sea salt in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
• Carefully spoon the filling into the hollowed-out courgettes. Sprinkle the pine nuts on top and bake for 18-25 mins until the courgettes are tender and the crumbs golden.

CHEESY BAKED COURGETTES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Use a teaspoon to scoop the seeds from the middle of each courgette half, then place them in a large baking tray.
• Mix together the ricotta, zest, chilli and herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Pile the stuffing into the courgettes and top with breadcrumbs. Bake for 35 mins until the courgettes are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

BAKED COURGETTES STUFFED WITH SPICED LAMB & TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Make the tomato sauce in a medium pan by heating the oil and frying the garlic for 2-3 mins until soft, then adding the spices and frying for 1 min more. Pour in the tomatoes and sugar and simmer with half a tin of water for 20 mins, until thickened. Season.
• Meanwhile, scoop out and discard some of the flesh of the courgettes and lay them in 1 large or 2 small roasting trays, drizzle with the oil and bake for 15 mins until golden and softened slightly.
• For the stuffing, mix the lamb with the spices and some salt. Try not to squash it together too much, instead lightly mix it with your hands until just combined. When the courgettes are ready, pile the lamb into the cavities and drizzle on the sauce. Bake for 15-20 mins until the sauce is bubbling. Top with the coriander and serve.