Low-Carb Ricotta-Stuffed Zucchini

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to great cooking. Start with fresh zucchinis. They should feel firm and heavy. Look for creamy ricotta; it gives a smooth texture. The Parmesan adds a nice salty touch. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Garlic brings in a punch of flavor. Dried Italian herbs balance everything with a lovely aroma. Make sure to have quality olive oil. It enhances the taste and keeps everything moist. Lastly, don't forget the salt and pepper; they are essential for flavor. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and taste when you serve. - Calories per serving: Approximately 220 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Carbohydrates: 8g - Fats: 16g - Proteins: 10g This dish offers a great low-carb option. You get good fats from cheese and olive oil. Each serving keeps you full and satisfied. Enjoy this healthy dinner without feeling guilty. 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps your zucchinis cook evenly. 2. Next, take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. 3. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh gently. You want hollow boats for the filling. 4. Place the zucchini halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 1. In a medium bowl, blend the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. 2. Now, add the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs to the cheese mixture. 3. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir well until everything combines into a creamy filling. 4. Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, making sure they mix without breaking apart. 1. Using a spoon, fill each hollowed zucchini half generously with the ricotta and tomato mixture. Press down slightly to pack it in well. 2. Drizzle a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over each stuffed zucchini. This adds flavor and keeps them moist. 3. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want them tender with a light golden top. 4. After baking, remove the zucchinis from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. 5. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra color and aroma. This recipe is an easy dinner delight that will impress. You can find the full recipe to help you get started! - To ensure even cooking, cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. - Scoop out the middle carefully, so they can hold the filling well. - Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. This gives you tender zucchinis. - Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the zucchini. It should pierce easily. - For a beautiful presentation, place the stuffed zucchinis on a nice platter. - Drizzle a little extra olive oil over them before serving. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. - Pair these zucchinis with a side salad or grilled chicken for a complete meal. - If you want a dairy-free option, use cashew cheese instead of ricotta. - For gluten-free needs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. - You can also swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your ricotta-stuffed zucchini. Adding different vegetables can create new flavors. Spinach or mushrooms work well. They blend nicely with the creamy ricotta. You can also try using alternative cheeses. Feta adds a tangy kick, while goat cheese gives a rich taste. Mixing cheeses can make your dish even more exciting. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish. Instead of dried herbs, opt for fresh ones like basil or parsley. Fresh herbs add bright flavors and a lovely aroma. They also enhance the meal's presentation with vibrant colors. This small change can make a big difference in taste. Want to make your meal heartier? Consider adding protein. Cooked chicken or ground turkey can boost flavor and nutrition. Simply mix the protein into your ricotta filling. This adds a satisfying element and makes your dish more filling. It’s a great way to turn a side dish into a main course. Feel free to explore these variations to make your meal unique. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store leftovers, let the zucchinis cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about three days. Storing them in the fridge helps maintain their flavor and texture. Freezing stuffed zucchinis is easy. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. For the best taste, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchinis on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them, but they may become softer. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Try these methods to enjoy your Low-Carb Ricotta-Stuffed Zucchini even after the first day! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can prepare these zucchinis in advance. To do this, follow these tips: - Prep the zucchinis: Slice and scoop them out. - Make the filling: Mix the ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. - Store separately: Keep the filling in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Assemble before baking: When ready to cook, fill the zucchinis and bake. If you need an alternative to ricotta cheese, try these options: - Cottage cheese - Cream cheese - Goat cheese - Silken tofu (for a dairy-free option) Each option gives a unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment! Check the zucchinis by looking for these cues: - They should be tender when pierced with a fork. - The cheese on top should turn a light golden color. - If the filling bubbles slightly, it's a good sign! Absolutely! Here are some great low-carb veggies to try: - Eggplant: Great for stuffing, similar to zucchini. - Bell peppers: Colorful and tasty when roasted. - Mushrooms: Stuff large caps with your favorite filling. - Spaghetti squash: A fun, noodle-like alternative. These veggies make excellent low-carb dishes and keep meals exciting! For the full recipe, be sure to check out the detailed instructions! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious stuffed zucchinis. You learned the ingredients needed and how to prepare the filling. We covered cooking tips, serving ideas, and dietary options, ensuring a tasty dish for everyone. You even discovered storage methods for leftovers. As you try this recipe, remember to personalize it. Swapping ingredients and adding flavors keeps it fun. Enjoy the cooking process, and share your tasty results!$

Low-Carb Ricotta-Stuffed Zucchini

Discover a delicious and healthy meal with these low-carb ricotta-stuffed zucchinis! This easy recipe features creamy ricotta and fresh cherry tomatoes, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a light lunch or an impressive dinner, these stuffed zucchinis are not only nutritious but also visually stunning. Click to explore the complete recipe and elevate your dining experience with this delightful dish! Enjoy fresh flavors and healthy eating in just 45 minutes!

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis

1 cup creamy ricotta cheese

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

A handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature for your zucchinis.

Take the zucchinis and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out the seeds and flesh carefully, creating hollow boats that will hold your delicious filling. Arrange these zucchini halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add in the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are combined into a creamy mixture.

Gently fold the halved cherry tomatoes into the ricotta mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them.

Using a spoon, generously fill each hollowed zucchini half with the ricotta and tomato mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in well.

Drizzle a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over each stuffed zucchini to enhance flavor and help keep them moist during baking.

Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. You want the zucchinis to become tender and the top of the cheese mixture to achieve a lovely light golden color.

Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the stuffed zucchinis cool for a few minutes before serving.

For the finishing touch, garnish each zucchini with fresh basil leaves, adding a vibrant color and delightful aroma to your dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the ricotta-stuffed zucchinis on a platter, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and garnished with additional basil leaves for an appealing look. They make a beautiful centerpiece and a healthy option for any meal!