Mexican Zucchini Boats!
I love anything with zucchini. I saw a recipe a while back for Zucchini boats but forgot to save it. So, I created my own! These have a little Mexican flare, but you could get creative and add just about anything! Im going to make them again soon, with totally different ingredients and will share. But, here is the recipe for these ones :)
What you will need:
-2 to 6 zucchinis(depending on how many halves or "boats" you want to make)
-1 lb lean ground turkey (or you can use chicken or beef)
-a few handful of shredded cheese(I use cheddar)
-1 large tomato
-1 cup of corn(I used fresh, but you can use canned if you want)
-2 handfuls of fresh cilantro
-half of white or yellow onion
-1 cup of peppers(any color)
-1 can of beans(I prefer black bean but used kidney this time)
-extra virgin olive oil
-3 garlic cloves or garlic powder
-spices: cumin, parsley, basil, sea salt & juice of one lime
How to make:
Preheat oven to 400.
Take your zucchini, wash well and pat dry. Cut off the tops. Cut lengthwise down the center, so you have two long pieces or "boats" for each zucchini. Hold one half at a time in the palm of your hand and scoop out the inside with a spoon, in a motion like your peeling a carrot. Be careful not to scoop to deep you breakthrough, leave them about 1/8 inch thick. Repeat with all halves.
Place all zucchini halves in a shallow baking dish. Add a little water to the bottom of pan. Depending on size of pan, 1/4 to a 1/2 cup will do.
Put them in the oven for about 8 minutes to soften them. Remove and set aside.
To fill the "boats":
Get a large sautee pan. Put it on medium heat.
Dice half an onion into small pieces. Add 3 tsp of extra virgin olive oil to pan. Add onion. Add your ground meat and stir until meat it browned. Break up chunks as you go.
(While meat is browning)
Chop up:
-1 cup diced peppers
-1 large tomato
-1 cup of corn(I cut it off two fresh ears)
-1 handful of cilantro
Then, add all these ingredients to meat. Continue to stir together.
Add your can of beans.
Then add your seasoning!
-1 tbsp garlic powder or 3 fresh cloves, minced
-2 tsp chili powder
-1 tsp cumin
-1 tsp dried parsley
-1 tsp dried basil
-a few pinches of sea salt
-juice from one lime
Continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until peppers start to get soft. Then, spoon this mixture into zucchini halves. (If you have extra its great the next day or tacos or on a salad!)
Place them into the oven once their all filled and cook for 10 minutes or until zucchini starts to feel tender. Remove and sprinkle on cheese.
Place back in oven for 2 minutes and let cheese melt. Top with a little more cilantro and lime juice if desired. Remove and ENJOY! XO
For 21 Day Fix:
2 Boats count as:
2 green
1 red
1 yellow
1 tsp
