Zucchini Boats

 

During the summer months, and into Autumn, Dave and I really like zucchini.  I even use it in the winter months to add to stews and soups.  I used to make zucchini bread and brownies but I mainly use it for just eating as a side dish for dinners. 

One of our favorite ways to eat it, is like the photo above.  That's not my photo.  I tend to really fill the top of my zucchini "boat".   I'm sharing this recipe because we like it a couple of different ways. Note the tips at the end of the recipe. This recipe is for 2 servings/people. 

ZUCCHINI BOATS

1 large zucchini, washed well with stem side removed

1 tablespoon of Earth Balance butter, melted

1 tablespoon of ground black pepper

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

about 2 cups of  traditional pasta sauce

(we prefer a local brand named Valentino's or Newman's Own)

parmesan cheese

• PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 degrees.

• Split the zucchini down the middle after washing and removing stem side. 
• Place non stick foil on a baking sheet and place zucchini, skin side down, side by side on the baking sheet. If you have regular foil, spray it first with a cooking spray of your choice. 
• Melt the butter in the microwave for 25-30 seconds.  While it's melting, take a fork and "Score" the flesh of the zucchini.  This means just take the fork and press it into the flesh and scrape down making little rows.
• Brush the melted butter over each piece of zucchini until the little grooves/rows are filled.
• Sprinkle the ground pepper over each piece of zucchini.
• Sprinkle the minced garlic over each piece.
• Pour on (I use a small spatula) pasta sauce so entire piece is covered. 
• Place shredded parmesan cheese over the entire length of the zucchini.
• Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until fork is inserted easily.

TIP:  this is a "plain"  type of zucchini boat.  When I make this for dinner, I usually have grilled salmon with it and some brown rice or grilled chicken with Italian seasonings, and a piece of garlic bread. Do what works for you!!

OUR FAVE WAY TO EAT ZUCCHINI BOATS:

Do all of the above steps BUT before putting on the parmesan cheese, switch it to shredded mozzarella and lay on vegan pepperoni first.  it's SO good.  

I served it with the vegan pepperoni along with vegan sausage and sweet potatoes.  You can also serve it with corn on the cob, or a tossed salad, or even another meat of your choice like a grilled burger or chicken breast. 

ENJOY!!

ps as with any of the recipes under the faithfixes label, you do have permission to copy and download/print out.