Ingredients and Weight:
- 4 large zucchinis (about 1 pound)
- 1 pound ground lean meat (such as beef or chicken)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into four pieces each.
- In a frying pan, brown the ground meat with the garlic and season with salt and pepper.
- In an oven-safe dish, arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer.
- Top each zucchini slice with a spoonful of the browned ground meat mixture.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the meat.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (assuming a serving size of one quarter of the dish)
- Carbohydrates: Zucchini provides fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- Protein: From the ground meat and cheese.
- Fat: From the oil used for frying and the cheese.
Dish Characteristics:
- This dish combines the flavors of Italy and America, making it suitable for those who enjoy both styles of cuisine.
- The zucchinis are cooked until tender yet still retain their crispness, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
- The combination of tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil gives this dish a rich and savory flavor profile.
User Comments:
- "The dish was delicious! The zucchinis were cooked perfectly, and the combination of flavors was outstanding."
- "I loved the combination of tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. It gave the dish a great Italian flavor."
- "The ground meat added a nice protein boost to this vegetarian-friendly dish."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results. If fresh basil is not available, dried basil can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Make sure to cook the ground meat until it is fully cooked through before adding it to the zucchinis. This will ensure that the dish is safe to eat.
