Greek-Style Stuffed Zucchini with Tomatoes

By edielou

This easy and healthy dinner for two is ready fast, in just over 30 minutes. Season lean ground beef with Greek spices, and use it to stuff zucchini halves. Zucchini is best and most abundant in late spring and summer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup(s) water
• 1/2 cup(s) bulgur
• 2 large (8 to 10 ounces each) zucchini
• 3 teaspoon(s) olive oil
• 1 medium (6 to 8 ounces) onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove(s) garlic, crushed with press
• 1/8 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper
• 1/2 pound(s) 90% lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon(s) ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1/4 cup(s) fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 pint(s) grape tomatoes

Details

Preparation time 22mins
Cooking time 35mins

Preparation

Step 1

Arrange oven rack 6 inches from broiler heat source. Preheat broiler. Line 18 inch by 12 inch jelly-roll pan or broiler rack set on broiler pan with foil.
In microwave-safe medium bowl, combine water and bulgur. Microwave, uncovered, on High 5 to 7 minutes or until bulgur is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Meanwhile, trim zucchini and halve each lengthwise. With spoon or melon baller, scoop out seeds and some pulp from zucchini halves, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shell. On microwave-safe plate, place zucchini cut side up in single layer and cover with waxed paper. Microwave zucchini on High 4 to 5 minutes or until very tender.
In 12-inch skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil on medium-high until hot. Add onion and cook 3 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic and red pepper and cook 1 minute longer or until fragrant. Add beef and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring and breaking up with side of spoon. Stir in coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat. Stir in bulgur and half of mint.
On prepared pan, toss tomatoes, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon oil. Arrange zucchini halves, cut sides up, around tomatoes. Mound 3/4 cup beef filling in each zucchini half, packing tightly.
Broil zucchini and tomatoes 5 minutes or until beef browns and tomatoes begin to burst. Place zucchini and tomatoes on platter; sprinkle with remaining mint.