Stuffed Zucchini Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini 4 medium zucchini
• 250g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) 250g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1/2 cup cooked rice 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce 1 cup tomato sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the zucchini lengthwise into thin slices using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Lay a zucchini slice flat and place a spoonful of the filling at one end. Roll the zucchini tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini slices and filling.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the olive oil over the zucchini rolls and pour the tomato sauce over them.
7. 7.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the rolls are golden.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Choose firm zucchini with smooth skin for the best results. Avoid zucchini that is soft or has blemishes.
• Ground meat — Use a combination of beef and pork for a flavorful filling. You can also use chicken or turkey if preferred.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a good quality tomato sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes for a more authentic taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the zucchini slices easier to roll, blanch them in boiling water for a minute before assembling the rolls.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding grated cheese, chopped mushrooms, or herbs like dill or basil to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Stuffed Zucchini Rolls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either cold or reheated.

Serving advice

Serve the Stuffed Zucchini Rolls as an appetizer or a side dish. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Zucchini Rolls on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and drizzle some tomato sauce over them for an attractive presentation.