Anti-Inflammatory Cottage-Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats

The Anti-Inflammatory Cottage-Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats have a delicious and cheesy flavor. We prepare these tender zucchini boats with cottage cheese, spinach, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, turmeric, parsley, black pepper, and pumpkin seeds. These tender zucchini boats have about 285 calories and 8 g of net carbs. We bake the zucchini till tender and the cheese becomes golden. The Anti-Inflammatory Cottage-Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Boats are perfect for weeknight dinners, healthy lunches, meal prep, family meals, and Mediterranean-inspired eating plans. You can serve these tender zucchini boats with Lemon Herb Chicken, Garlic Rosemary Salmon, Greek Cucumber Salad, Roasted Broccoli, or Lemon Cauliflower Rice.

STATS:

• Course: Main Course, Side Dish
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Diet: Anti-Inflammatory
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Portion Size: 2 zucchini halves
• Cooking Mode: Baking
• Total Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Total Time: 40 minutes

TOOLS:

• Baking dish
• Bowl
• Knife
• Spoon
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 zucchini
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• ¼ cup mozzarella
• Two tbsp. olive oil
• Two cloves garlic
• One tsp. oregano
• ½ tsp. basil
• ¼ tsp. turmeric
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. parsley
• 1 tbsp. pumpkin seeds
• ¼ tsp. black pepper

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

ZUCCHINI:

• Use zucchini to create tender and sturdy boats for the creamy filling. As another option, use yellow squash.

COTTAGE CHEESE:

• Use cottage cheese to provide a creamy texture and protein. As a different choice, we may utilize ricotta cheese.

SPINACH:

• Add color, nutrients, and freshness with spinach. Swiss chard or kale might be utilized in its stead.

CHERRY TOMATOES:

• Use cherry tomatoes to provide sweetness, moisture, and freshness. As another option, use diced bell peppers.

PARMESAN:

• Use Parmesan to provide a rich, savory, and cheesy flavor. You can substitute Pecorino Romano.

MOZZARELLA:

• Use mozzarella for a melted and golden cheesy topping. As another option, use Monterey Jack or additional Parmesan.

OLIVE OIL:

• For Mediterranean flavor and healthful fats, choose olive oil. Avocado oil can be used instead.

TURMERIC:

• Use turmeric for its warm flavor and vibrant color. It can be omitted if unavailable.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Warm the oven to 200° Celcius.
2. Make lengthwise slices of the zucchini and scoop out the middles, with a small border.
3. Keep the zucchini halves in a baking dish & coat them using olive oil.
4. Gently cook the spinach and garlic for nearly two minutes.
5. Stir the parsley, cottage cheese, lemon juice, spinach, salt, tomatoes, pepper, Parmesan, turmeric, oregano, and basil.
6. Pour the zucchini boats with the cottage-cheese mixture.
7. Garnish with optional pumpkin seeds and mozzarella.
8. Bake till the zucchini get golden and cheese get tender, for nearly twenty minutes.
9. Cool for almost five minutes and serve warm.

TIPS:

• Strain out the watery cottage cheese and then prepare the filling.
• Squeeze out additional water content from the cooked spinach.
• Avoid cooking the zucchini too much, or it will get softer.
• Utilize cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
• Include Kalamata olives and feta for a powerful Mediterranean flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

PROTEIN DISHES:

• Lemon Herb Chicken
• Garlic Rosemary Salmon
• Mediterranean Shrimp
• Herb-Roasted Cod
• Greek Chicken Skewers

SALADS:

• Greek Cucumber Salad
• Mediterranean Tomato Salad
• Arugula Lemon Salad
• Spinach Feta Salad

VEGETABLE SIDES:

• Roasted Broccoli
• Lemon Cauliflower Rice
• Herb-Roasted Asparagus
• Mediterranean Green Beans

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put the zucchini boats in a closed box and refrigerate for nearly 3 to 4 days.

FREEZER:

• Store the zucchini boats for approximately 1 to 2 months.

FAQs:

Will we prepare these zucchini boats earlier?

• Yes, you can make and fill the zucchini boats earlier, chill them, and bake them when required.

May we utilize ricotta as an alternative to cottage cheese?

• Yes, ricotta can replace cottage cheese and will provide a smoother and creamier filling.

Could we include chicken?

• Yes, you can use cooked chicken with the filling to prepare an extra protein-rich meal.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Calories: 285 kcal

Sodium: 590 mg

Net Carbs: 8 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 7 g

Fats: 17 g

Proteins: 20 g

Total Carbs: 11 g