Stuffed Zucchini with Prosciutto

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini (about 500g / 1.1lb) 4 medium zucchini (about 500g / 1.1lb)
• 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto, thinly sliced 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Parmesan or Gouda) 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Parmesan or Gouda)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and flesh, leaving a hollow shell.
3. 3.
   Chop the zucchini flesh and set aside.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, combine the chopped zucchini flesh, prosciutto, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Fill each zucchini half with the prosciutto mixture, pressing it down gently.
6. 6.
   Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is golden brown.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Choose firm zucchini with smooth skin. Avoid zucchini that is soft or has blemishes.
• Prosciutto — Opt for high-quality prosciutto for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute it with thinly sliced ham or bacon.
• Breadcrumbs — Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture. You can make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the stuffed zucchini before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the stuffed zucchini instead of baking them.
• Serve the dish with a side of fresh salad to complement the flavors.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either cold or reheated.

Serving advice

Serve the Stuffed Zucchini with Prosciutto as a main course accompanied by a side salad or crusty bread. It can also be served as an appetizer or a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed zucchini halves on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrant green color of the zucchini and the golden brown filling will create an appealing visual contrast.