In Turkish cuisine, many vegetables are stuffed with minced meat and stuffed and consumed as a stew. Among them, the most preferred and frequently made stuffed zucchini; It is both very easy and very economical. Enjoy your meal!
Wash the zucchini and cut off the roots and stems. (Enough to not tip over and sit in the pot) Peel the zucchini with a serrated peeler. Divide them into 2 halves and carve the insides out with a dessert spoon or a pumpkin cutter.
Squeeze 1 teaspoon of lemon into the carved pumpkins, rub them all over with your hands and salt them with a pinch of salt.
On the other hand, cut one of the tomatoes from the top 1 cm without tearing the part, leaving the lid on, and separate the water and the seed part inside. For the other tomato caps, cut round fleshy pieces according to the number and size of the zucchini and grate the insides of the tomatoes for the mortar.
Take the minced meat in a deep bowl and add the finely chopped or grated onion, grated tomatoes, salt, pepper, chopped parsley and washed rice. Add 1 cup of cold water, mix and let it rest in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Divide the rested mortar into the carved zucchini and tomatoes and fill them with 1 finger space. Cover the zucchini by lightly pressing the tomato pieces you cut for the lids.
Place the stuffed tomatoes in the middle of a flat pan. Lay the stuffed zucchini upright, starting from the edge. For the sauce, whisk the tomato paste in hot water and pour over the stuffing. Finally, distribute the shortening or butter in small pieces over the food, close the lid and put on medium heat. When it starts to click, turn it on low heat and cook for 20 minutes.
Take the cooked stuffing on a serving plate. Add the chopped dill herbs to the garlic yogurt and mix. Divide a spoonful of garlic and dill yoghurt over them and serve hot. Bon Appetit!
Benefits of Ingredients in Stuffed Zucchini With Meat
Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.
Zucchini:
Zucchini (kabak) is rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C for immunity, and potassium, benefiting heart and digestive health. It also contains powerful antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, crucial for eye health. Low in calories and high in water, it's ideal for healthy diets. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt, garlic, dill, and olive oil.
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is essential for muscle development and repair due to its high biological value protein. Its rich B12 content supports nervous system health, while being a good source of iron and zinc strengthens the immune system and aids oxygen transport. It pairs perfectly with carbohydrates like rice, pasta, potatoes, and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and garlic, adding flavor to numerous dishes.
Tomato:
Tomato is a fruit rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and helps protect skin cells against UV damage. With Vitamin C, it boosts immunity, while potassium contributes to blood pressure regulation. Lycopene absorption is enhanced, especially when consumed with olive oil. It is an indispensable ingredient for basil, garlic, mozzarella, and various salad and pasta dishes.
Dry Onion:
Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.
Broken Rice:
Broken rice consists of rice grains broken during processing. Its small size allows faster cooking and easier digestion, which accelerates nutrient absorption and provides quick energy. It's often preferred for baby food and those with digestive sensitivities. It's gluten-free. It pairs well with creamy dishes like soups, porridges, rice pudding, and spicy meat/vegetable dishes in Asian cuisine.
Water:
Water is the foundation of life and indispensable for bodily functions. Its main roles include transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, eliminating metabolic waste through the kidneys, and regulating body temperature. It is essential for joint health, organ protection, and maintaining cellular functions. Dehydration leads to low energy and kidney issues. When consumed with fibrous fruits and vegetables, water aids digestion. It forms a good combination with mineral water or herbal teas for electrolyte balance.
Solid Fat:
Shortening is a type of fat, either vegetable or animal-based, that is solid at room temperature. Its high melting point creates a flaky texture in baked goods. Vegetable shortening is generally preferred. It can enhance vitamin absorption when consumed with fish and vegetables. Excessive consumption should be avoided.
Tomato Paste:
Tomato Paste is a concentrated source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant whose bioavailability increases when heated. This property supports heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. It also contains Vitamin K and potassium. Its absorption is enhanced when consumed with olive oil. It pairs perfectly with onions, garlic, red meat, and legumes, adding depth and umami to dishes.
Hot Pepper Sauce:
Hot Pepper Paste is an intense flavor derived from ripe hot peppers. Thanks to its capsaicin content, it accelerates metabolism and offers mild pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory potential. Rich in antioxidants like Vitamins C and A, it supports the immune system. It pairs wonderfully with red meat, chicken, legume dishes, and soups, adding a characteristic heat and deep aroma to recipes.
Salt:
Salt is an essential mineral that adds unique flavor to dishes and serves as a natural preservative. It provides vital electrolyte balance for the body's water regulation, nerve, and muscle functions. It pairs perfectly with spices, herbs, and oils, enriching the taste of every meal. An indispensable part of every table.
Black Pepper:
Black pepper, a kitchen staple, offers not just flavor but also significant health benefits. Thanks to piperine, its active compound, it boasts powerful antioxidant properties, helping to combat free radicals. It can stimulate the digestive system, enhancing nutrient absorption and notably increasing the bioavailability of curcumin found in turmeric. Additionally, it's effective in reducing gas and bloating. It also has a mild metabolism-boosting effect. With a wide range of uses from red meats to poultry, vegetable dishes to soups, it pairs excellently. It harmonizes perfectly with spices like cumin and coriander, as well as ingredients like lemon and garlic, adding depth to dishes.
Dill:
Dill is an aromatic herb frequently used in kitchens, rich in vitamins A and C, and various minerals. It is known for its digestive support, carminative (gas-reducing), and antioxidant properties. It also contains calcium, which can contribute to bone health. It adds a fresh touch to salads, cacık (yogurt dip), olive oil dishes, and fish meals.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
Garlic Yogurt is a blend of fermented yogurt with the pungent aroma of garlic. It supports digestion, is rich in probiotics and antioxidants. Its garlic content helps boost immunity and may positively affect heart health. It often adds flavor alongside kebabs, dolmas, fried vegetables, and rice dishes. It's excellent as a meze or sauce.
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