"Courgettes farcies" is a delicious French dish where zucchinis (courgettes) are stuffed with a flavorful filling. Here’s a classic recipe for stuffed courgettes:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium courgettes (zucchinis)
- 250g ground beef (or lamb, pork, or a mix)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Courgettes:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Wash the courgettes and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the flesh using a spoon, leaving a small border to create a "boat." Be careful not to pierce the skin. Reserve the flesh for the filling.
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Make the Filling:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in the chopped tomato, the reserved courgette flesh (finely chopped), and thyme. Cook until the mixture is well combined and the courgette flesh is softened.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix the meat mixture with the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stuff the Courgettes:
- Place the courgette halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Fill each courgette with the stuffing mixture, pressing it down gently.
- Drizzle the stuffed courgettes with olive oil.
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Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the courgettes are tender and the tops are golden brown.
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Serve:
- Serve the stuffed courgettes hot, with a side of salad, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips:
- You can add grated cheese on top for a richer flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and cooked lentils.
Enjoy your delicious courgettes farcies!
