Zucchini Boats: A Perfect Summer Recipe

Zucchini Boats- mmmm good!

Summer is the season of fresh, vibrant produce, and there's no better way to celebrate it than with zucchini boats. These versatile, delicious creations are a hit for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, zucchini boats are an easy and healthy dish that will impress your family and friends.

What are Zucchini Boats?

Zucchini boats are essentially zucchinis that have been halved lengthwise, scooped out, and filled with a variety of delicious toppings. They can be baked, grilled, or even air-fried, making them adaptable to your preferred cooking method. The result is a tender, flavorful zucchini shell loaded with tasty fillings.

Why You’ll Love Them

1. Healthy and Nutritious: Zucchinis are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. They are a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.

2. Versatile: The filling possibilities are endless. From chickpeas, corn, quinoa and black beans, there's a zucchini boat recipe for everyone.

3. Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cook time, zucchini boats are a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

4. Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun presentation of zucchini boats, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

How to Make Zucchini Boats

Here’s a basic recipe to get you started. Feel free to get creative with the fillings!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini

• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil or water, if oil-free

• 1 small/medium onion chopped

• 2-3 cloves of garlic minced

• 1 small bell pepper chopped

• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)

• 1 heaped tbsp tomato paste -Thrive Tomato powder works great as past *just mix with a little water

• 1 tbsp hot sauce or more to taste

• 4-6 tbsp plant-based milk

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp coconut sugar or brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• Sea salt, ground pepper, and chili powder to taste

• Fresh herbs to garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (190°C).
  

Scoop out your boats

• Prepare the Zucchinis: Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create a hollow center. Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet.
  

Cook your filling

• Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become translucent. Add the peppers, zucchini centers. Stir in the marinara sauce, plant based milk, soy sauce, rice vinegar and all the seasonings let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the chickpeas, Season with salt and pepper. and simmer again for a few min.

Fill your boats

• Fill the Zucchinis: Spoon the meat mixture into the hollowed-out zucchinis. Top each one with vegan cheese of choice. We like this Miyoko's Creamy liquid Cheese.

• Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Add to any sides you want.

Tips and Variations

• Filling Option: try different fillings- and fill your zucchini boats with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa. Top with cheese or a vegan alternative.

• Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.

• Herb It Up: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.
  

Final Thoughts

Zucchini boats are a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of summer produce. They are easy to make, nutritious, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a dish to impress at your next gathering, zucchini boats are a fantastic choice. Give them a try and discover your new favorite summer recipe!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious zucchini boats! Let us know what you think of Zucchini Boats.