Marrows Stuffed with Cheese

Marrows Stuffed with Cheese Recipe - Vegetarian Bulgarian Cuisine

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Marrows Stuffed with Cheese is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender marrows filled with brined sheep's cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe has its origins in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, where vegetables are often stuffed with a variety of fillings. Marrows, also known as zucchinis or courgettes, are a popular vegetable in many Mediterranean countries and are often used in a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

5 to 6 vegetable marrows
150 g brined sheep's cheese
3 eggs
1 onion
2 spoonfuls flour
half a cupful milk
60 g butter
salt

How to prepare

Slice the peeled zucchinis lengthwise, hollow them out and sprinkle with salt.
In a pan, melt half of the butter and sauté the finely chopped onions and flour with some water.
Pour in half of the milk and add the grated cheese and 1 egg.
Fill the zucchinis with the mixture, place them in a baking dish, and pour over the remaining 2 eggs beaten with milk.
Add the remaining butter a few minutes before the dish is fully cooked.

Variations

You can add herbs such as parsley or dill to the filling mixture for added flavor.
Try using different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the recipe.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the cheese and add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to hollow out the marrows carefully to create enough space for the cheese filling.

- Sautéing the onions and flour before adding the cheese and eggs helps to enhance the flavor of the filling.

- Be sure to beat the eggs well before adding them to the filling mixture to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Adding a little extra butter towards the end of cooking will help to create a golden and crispy topping on the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Marrows Stuffed with Cheese can be served as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the marrows until they are tender but still slightly firm to the touch.

- Baking the dish in the oven helps to create a crispy and golden topping on the marrows.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brined sheep's cheese, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Swiss.

- You can use gluten-free flour or almond flour as a substitute for regular flour.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to fill the marrows and bake the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Marrows Stuffed with Cheese on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Marrows Stuffed with Cheese contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Marrows Stuffed with Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Marrows Stuffed with Cheese contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Marrows Stuffed with Cheese contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Marrows are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and eggs.

Summary

Marrows Stuffed with Cheese is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marrows Stuffed with Cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a flavorful cheese filling and tender marrows, this recipe 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 warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her charming little cottage by the sea. Maria was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day she had prepared a feast for us to enjoy.

As we sat down at her wooden dining table, I couldn't help but notice a dish that stood out among the others. It was a platter of marrows stuffed with cheese, golden and bubbling with melted goodness. The aroma that wafted from the dish was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria smiled at my curiosity and began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The dish was a family favorite, loved by all who had the pleasure of tasting it.

Intrigued by the history of the recipe, I begged Maria to teach me how to make it. She happily agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, preparing the dish together. As we worked side by side, Maria shared with me the secrets of her family recipe.

The first step was to carefully hollow out the marrows, leaving a thin layer of flesh to hold the filling. Maria showed me how to scoop out the seeds and pulp, leaving a neat little cavity for the cheese mixture. She explained that the key to a successful dish was to choose marrows that were firm and ripe, with a rich green color.

Next, we prepared the filling. Maria grated a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, mixing it with breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, and a pinch of nutmeg. The mixture was fragrant and savory, promising a burst of flavor with every bite.

With deft hands, Maria stuffed the marrows with the cheese mixture, gently pressing it into the cavities until they were full to bursting. She arranged the stuffed marrows in a baking dish, drizzling them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

As we waited for the dish to bake in the oven, Maria regaled me with stories of her grandmother and the many meals they had shared together. She spoke fondly of the family gatherings and the laughter that filled the air, painting a picture of a time long gone but never forgotten.

When the stuffed marrows emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling with melted cheese, my mouth watered with anticipation. Maria served them with a simple salad and crusty bread, creating a meal that was both comforting and satisfying.

As I took my first bite of the dish, the flavors exploded on my tongue, rich and decadent with a hint of sweetness from the marrows. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, grateful for the opportunity to learn this treasured family recipe.

From that day on, I made the stuffed marrows with cheese a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Maria had shared with me. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to the past, a link to the generations who had come before me.

And so, the recipe for marrows stuffed with cheese became not just a meal, but a reminder of the love and history that filled my kitchen. It was a dish that brought people together, creating memories that would last a lifetime. And for that, I would always be grateful to my dear friend Maria and her grandmother, who had shared with me the magic of simple, delicious food.