Recipe Stuffed Courgettes Vegetarian Ideas for Every Meal

Stuffed courgettes are a delightful and nutritious vegetarian dish that can easily become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. This recipe combines tender courgettes with a savory filling packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of cheese to create a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, stuffed courgettes offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. They are not only visually appealing but also versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients.

This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve guests, making it a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire.

Plus, it’s a great way to use summer courgettes when they’re in season and at their freshest. You can enjoy these stuffed courgettes as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a delicious side dish.

Read on to learn how to make this flavorful, vegetarian stuffed courgette recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to check out some related recipes for more inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed courgettes are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. This vegetarian version is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and wholesome grains, making it a nutrient-dense meal that’s both filling and satisfying.

The combination of tender courgette boats filled with a flavorful mixture creates a dish that’s comforting and light at the same time.

Another great reason to love this recipe is its ease of preparation. With just a handful of simple ingredients and basic cooking equipment, you can whip up a delicious meal in under an hour.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to encourage kids and picky eaters to enjoy their veggies!

Lastly, these stuffed courgettes reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers. You can even freeze them for a quick and healthy meal on busy days.

Ingredients

• 4 medium courgettes (zucchini), washed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches)
• Spoon for scooping
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the courgettes: Slice each courgette in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
3. Cook the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chopped courgette flesh and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Mix in the cherry tomatoes, cooked quinoa, parsley, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese if using. Season the filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Fill the courgette boats: Spoon the vegetable and quinoa mixture into each courgette half, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
9. Place the stuffed courgettes in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
10. Top each courgette with a sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese if desired.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the courgettes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some ideas to customize your stuffed courgettes:

• Make it vegan: Omit the feta and mozzarella cheeses or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
• Add protein: Mix in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tempeh to boost protein content.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or smoked paprika to the filling for a little heat and smoky flavor.
• Try different grains: Use brown rice, bulgur, or farro instead of quinoa for varied textures.
• Herb swaps: Fresh basil, dill, or thyme make excellent alternatives to parsley and oregano.

For even more flavorful vegetarian recipes, check out Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals, perfect for expanding your plant-based cooking horizons.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed courgettes are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them on their own as a light yet filling meal, or pair them with a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast.

A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.

For a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted potatoes. They also pair well with other Mediterranean dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, or a warm lentil stew.

If you want to explore more hearty vegetarian dishes, try our Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas for comforting meals that make weeknights a breeze.

Conclusion

Stuffed courgettes provide a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and ease of preparation, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a delicious vegetarian meal. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

The combination of fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and herbs results in a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or preparing something special for guests, stuffed courgettes offer a flexible and healthy option. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the filling ingredients and spices to suit your preferences.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other fantastic vegetarian recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to expand your cooking repertoire with even more plant-based delights.

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