How to Make Turkish Stuffed Zucchini with Rice

Turkish stuffed zucchini, known as "kabağın içi" in Turkish, is a delightful and flavorful dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe entails using fresh zucchini stuffed with a savory mix of rice, herbs, and spices, making it a perfect vegetarian option. Follow this guide to create your own delicious Turkish stuffed zucchini with rice.

Ingredients

To make Turkish stuffed zucchini, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 cup rice (preferably long-grain or basmati)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Water or vegetable broth (for cooking rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

Begin by cleaning the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut the tops off and carefully hollow out the insides using a spoon or a corer, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh to hold the structure. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for the filling.

2. Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent. Then, add the reserved zucchini flesh and stir well.

Add the rice to the saucepan and mix everything together. Cook for a few minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried mint, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

3. Fill the Zucchini

Once the rice mixture is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully fill each hollowed zucchini with the rice mixture, packing it gently but not too tightly, as the rice may expand while cooking.

4. Cook the Stuffed Zucchini

In a large pot, pour a small amount of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) and place the stuffed zucchinis standing upright. If they don't fit, you may need to cook them in batches or lay them sideways. Add a cup of water to the pot, cover it, and cook on medium heat for about 30-35 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender.

5. Serve

Once cooked, remove the stuffed zucchinis from the pot and place them on a serving dish. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Turkish stuffed zucchini with rice is a wholesome dish that brings the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. It's perfect as a main course or a side dish, and the recipe is easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or proteins. Enjoy this savory and colorful meal with family and friends!