Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono Recipe - Traditional Greek Dish

Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono

Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono Recipe - Traditional Greek Dish
Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono
Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono

Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono is a traditional Greek dish that features stuffed courgettes with a delicious avgolemono sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Greek households, with each family adding their own twist to it. The combination of minced beef, rice, onions, and dill stuffed inside courgettes creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Scrape and wash the courgettes.
  2. Remove a slice from the small side, and empty the courgettes using a spoon or a special kitchen tool.
  3. In a bowl, mix the mince, rice, finely chopped onions, and chopped dill.
  4. Fill the courgettes with the mixture.
  5. Place the filled courgettes in a saucepan, add olive oil, and pour enough water to almost cover them.
  6. Cook for approximately 0.75 hours.
  7. Prepare the avgolemono sauce, and pour it over the courgettes.
  8. Gently shake the pan over low heat until the sauce thickens. Do not boil.

Variations

  • You can substitute the minced beef with ground lamb for a different flavor.
  • Add pine nuts or raisins to the filling for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scrape and wash the courgettes thoroughly before hollowing them out.

- Be careful not to overcook the courgettes, as they can become mushy.

- When preparing the avgolemono sauce, be sure to whisk continuously to prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the courgettes on low heat to ensure they are cooked through without becoming mushy.

- Gently shake the pan when adding the avgolemono sauce to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of minced beef for a lighter version of this dish.

- Substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed courgettes ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. The avgolemono sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing glass of lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono contains approximately 20g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the rice and may contain allergens from the minced beef. Please check for any specific allergens before consuming.

Summary

Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono is a delicious and nutritious Greek dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With a flavorful filling and creamy avgolemono sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Greece. As we sat in her sunlit kitchen, she pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her collection and began to gather the ingredients for what she called Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono.

Maria explained that this dish was a traditional Greek recipe that she had learned from her mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a dish that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist and flavor to make it their own.

As Maria chopped the fresh zucchini and tomatoes, she shared with me the story of how she first learned to make Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono. She was just a young girl, eager to help her mother in the kitchen and learn the secret family recipes that had been handed down for centuries.

Her mother would patiently guide her through each step, showing her how to season the vegetables with fragrant herbs and spices, how to stuff them with a savory rice mixture, and how to whip up a creamy egg and lemon sauce to drizzle on top.

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly combined the ingredients, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only years of practice could bring. She explained that the key to a perfect Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono was patience and attention to detail, ensuring that each vegetable was cooked to perfection and each bite was bursting with flavor.

As the dish baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted vegetables and tangy lemon sauce, Maria poured us each a glass of chilled white wine and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

The first bite of Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono was a revelation. The tender zucchini and juicy tomatoes melded perfectly with the savory rice and tangy lemon sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I could see why this dish had been a staple in Maria's family for generations, passed down from mother to daughter with love and care.

As we savored each bite, Maria shared with me the importance of preserving family recipes and traditions, of passing down the knowledge and techniques that had been honed over years of trial and error. She told me that the true secret to a delicious dish was not just in the ingredients, but in the love and dedication that went into its preparation.

As I left Maria's village that day, the recipe for Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono tucked safely in my bag, I knew that I had been given a precious gift. A gift of culinary knowledge and tradition that would stay with me forever, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, whenever I make Kolokithakia Yemista Avgholemono in my own kitchen, I think of Maria and her mother before her, of the generations of women who have lovingly prepared this dish and shared it with their families. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the friendships forged over a simple recipe that has stood the test of time, a testament to the enduring power of food and tradition.

Categories

| Dill Recipes | Greek Meat Dishes | Greek Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Ground Pork Recipes | Rice Recipes | Zucchini Recipes |

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