Embark on a culinary voyage to the Mediterranean with our tantalizing recipe for Zesty Zucchini Boats. These flavorful boats are brimming with the vibrant essence of sun-drenched ingredients like juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy olives. With each bite, you’ll savor the delightful combination of ground turkey sausage, aromatic herbs, and nutty pine nuts. Let’s set sail and discover how to create these mouthwatering Mediterranean delights.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs, divided
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil, divided
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch around the edges to create boats. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for later use.
- Cook the Turkey Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey sausage, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the reserved zucchini flesh to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to the mixing bowl with the cooked turkey sausage.
- Assemble the Filling:
- To the mixing bowl, add the lightly beaten egg, ½ cup of bread crumbs, halved kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, half of the chopped basil, pine nuts, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Fill the Zucchini Boats:
- Divide the filling evenly among the hollowed-out zucchini boats, pressing gently to compact the filling.
- Bake the Zucchini Boats:
- Place the filled zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of bread crumbs over the tops of the boats.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish the cooked zucchini boats with the remaining chopped basil before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the robust flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Conclusion: With our recipe for Zesty Zucchini Boats, you can bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. These savory boats are filled with a tantalizing mixture of ground turkey sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side dish, these Mediterranean delights are sure to impress. Set sail for flavor paradise and treat yourself to these mouthwatering Zesty Zucchini Boats today!