Zucchini Boats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mahatma® Jasmine Brown Rice
- 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp green olives, sliced
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce, divided
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Stuffed with delicious sausage, rice, vegetables and 100% whole grain jasmine brown rice, these zucchini boats are sure to be a hit with dinner guests.
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare rice according to package directions; set aside.
Step 2
Meanwhile, using small spoon or melon baller, scoop out zucchini pulp, leaving border all around. Chop zucchini pulp; set aside.
Step 3
Heat oil in large skillet set over medium heat; cook sausage, garlic, bell pepper, chopped zucchini, olives, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp pepper, paprika and adobo seasoning, breaking up with wooden spoon, for 8 to 10 minutes or until sausage is browned. Stir in cooked rice, 1/2 cup tomato sauce and lemon juice.
Step 4
Season zucchini halves with remaining salt and pepper; spoon remaining tomato sauce evenly into zucchini halves. Top with sausage mixture. Arrange in small parchment paper–lined baking dish. Cover with foil; bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until zucchini are tender.
Step 5
Remove from oven; remove foil. Scatter mozzarella over top; broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Sprinkle with parsley.
Recipe Variations
Substitute ground beef, pork, or chorizo sausage for Italian sausage if desired.
Recipe Video
How to Stuff a Vegetable
Make sure to choose zucchini that has a good-sized cavity to use as a base – you want to fill it up with as much stuffing as possible! Then, there should be a solid rice foundation:
Pack in some grains so that you, like your vegetables, will be stuffed! We have used whole grains to leave you even more satisfied – these whole grains will also absorb all the juices and flavors!
Adding some protein will also guarantee that you’ll be satisfied. These boats boast ground beef but you could also sub in chicken. If you want to keep it vegetarian, pack in the vegetables, eggs, or beans – these stuffed eggplants are proof that meat is not always necessary! And, of course, sauces and spices will give you all that irresistible flavor!
A Whole Lot of Whole Grains
Yet another delicious dish packed with whole grains! Not only will you get all those wholesome benefits, you will also add another layer of complexity to your dish. With nutty notes and a chewy texture, Jasmine Brown Rice will enhance his traditional dish.
