Marrow, a type of summer squash, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that deserves a special place in your vegetarian recipe collection. When baked and stuffed, marrow transforms into a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
This baked stuffed marrow recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a blend of cheeses, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and comforting—a true crowd-pleaser that even meat-eaters will adore.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce with minimal fuss.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of making this delicious vegetarian baked stuffed marrow, from selecting the best marrow to tips for customizing the filling. Plus, I’ll share some ideas for sides and serving suggestions that will turn this simple dish into a gourmet experience.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked stuffed marrow recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a comforting and wholesome fashion. The marrow boats are tender yet hold their shape beautifully, while the stuffing is bursting with vibrant flavors from bell peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and creamy cheese.
It’s a one-dish meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily swap out ingredients to match what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.
It’s also gluten-free if you choose gluten-free breadcrumbs, and it’s perfect for meal prep as leftovers reheat wonderfully. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids and picky eaters to veggies in a fun and tasty format.
Ingredients
- 2 medium marrows (about 12 inches long)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup grated vegetarian cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pine nuts for added crunch
Equipment
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Large spoon for scooping
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the marrows.
- Prepare the marrows: Wash the marrows and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create boats, leaving about 1/2-inch thick walls. Set the scooped flesh aside in a bowl.
- Cook the filling base: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced bell pepper and tomato to the pan along with the reserved marrow flesh, chopped finely. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Combine the stuffing: Transfer the cooked vegetables to a mixing bowl. Stir in cooked quinoa (or rice), breadcrumbs, grated cheese, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If using nuts, fold them in now for added texture.
- Fill the marrow boats: Spoon the mixture evenly into each marrow half, pressing slightly to compact the filling.
- Bake: Place the stuffed marrows in the greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marrows are tender and the filling is golden on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the stuffing mix.
You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped artichoke hearts, capers, and a splash of lemon juice.
If you don’t have quinoa or rice, couscous or bulgur wheat works wonderfully as stuffing bases. For a protein boost, add a cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas to the mix.
To prepare ahead, assemble the stuffed marrows and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for an excellent make-ahead meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Vitamin A | 25% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This baked stuffed marrow makes a perfect main dish when paired with a crisp green salad or a light soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside warm crusty bread like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or a simple garlic focaccia.
For a refreshing contrast, try a chilled beverage such as the Green Goodness Juice Recipe. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet finish, the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe will delight your taste buds.
Conclusion
This baked stuffed marrow recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, seasonal vegetables in a wholesome, satisfying meal. Its blend of textures and flavors—from tender marrow to savory, cheesy stuffing—makes it a memorable dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your vegetarian recipe repertoire.
The recipe is simple to prepare, highly adaptable, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
Whether you’re new to cooking with marrow or a seasoned vegetable enthusiast, this recipe invites you to experiment with flavors and ingredients while keeping nutrition and taste front and center. Give it a try today, and enjoy a delicious, colorful dish that celebrates the bounty of fresh produce in a truly comforting way.
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Stuffed Marrow Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A delicious and healthy vegetarian baked stuffed marrow filled with a savory mix of vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a light main dish or a hearty side.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium marrows
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cut marrows in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
- Brush marrow halves with olive oil and place on a baking tray.
- In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add diced tomato, cooked quinoa, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped parsley and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Fill marrow boats with the quinoa mixture.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until marrows are tender and topping is golden.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 35 g
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