Spinach, Mushroom, and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Delightful and healthy Spinach Mushroom Ricotta Zucchini Boats, featuring tender zucchini filled with a creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and sautéed mushrooms, baked to perfection for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create hollow boats, setting the scooped flesh aside for the filling.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add chopped mushrooms, chopped spinach, and the reserved zucchini flesh. Cook until the mushrooms are softened and spinach is wilted, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the filling: Remove the sautéed vegetable mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy filling.
- Stuff the zucchini: Spoon the ricotta and vegetable mixture evenly into each zucchini half, pressing the filling lightly to pack it in.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. These zucchini boats are delicious as a main course or a side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh and firm zucchinis for best results.
- You can add grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for extra flavor and browning.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based ricotta alternative.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the filling.
- Leftover filling can be used as a dip or spread.
Keywords: zucchini boats, ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, healthy vegetarian dinner, baked zucchini, Italian recipe
