Stuffed Courgettes with egg and lemon sauce
Macedonian Stuffed Courgettes with Egg and Lemon Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce is a traditional Greek dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. The combination of tender courgettes filled with a savory mixture of pork, rice, onions, and dill, topped with a creamy egg and lemon sauce, creates a delicious and comforting meal.
History
This recipe has been passed down through generations in Greek households, where it is often enjoyed as a special occasion dish. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques highlights the flavors of the Mediterranean region.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg large courgettes
- 0.5 kg minced beef or pork or both
- 0.75 cup of rice
- 2 onions
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small bunch of dill
- salt, pepper
How to prepare
- Scrape and wash the courgettes.
- Remove a slice from the small end of the courgettes. Hollow out the courgettes using a spoon or a special kitchen tool. In a bowl, combine the mince, rice, finely chopped onions, and dill.
- Fill the courgettes with the mixture.
- Place the filled courgettes in a saucepan with butter and add enough water to almost cover them.
- Cook for approximately 45 minutes.
- Prepare the avgolemono sauce, then pour it over the courgettes. Gently shake the pan over low heat until the sauce thickens.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with mushrooms or lentils.
- Add grated cheese to the filling for extra richness.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to hollow out the courgettes carefully to create a sturdy base for the filling.
- Cooking the stuffed courgettes in a saucepan with butter helps to infuse them with rich flavor.
- Gently shaking the pan while adding the egg and lemon sauce helps to thicken the sauce evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce hot, garnished with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Hollowing out the courgettes evenly ensures that they cook through evenly.
- Cooking the stuffed courgettes in a saucepan with butter helps to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Gently shaking the pan while adding the egg and lemon sauce helps to thicken the sauce without curdling.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute courgettes with bell peppers or tomatoes for a different twist.
- Use ground beef or lamb instead of pork for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute dill with parsley or mint for a fresh herb flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
The stuffed courgettes can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The egg and lemon sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the stuffed courgettes on a platter and drizzle with extra egg and lemon sauce for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce with a crisp white wine, such as a Greek Assyrtiko or a Sauvignon Blanc. A side of Greek salad or tzatziki complements the flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce can be stored 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 stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce contains approximately 15g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce contains approximately 20g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (butter) and eggs.
Summary
Stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Stuffed courgettes with egg and lemon sauce are a delicious and comforting dish that highlights the flavors of the Mediterranean region. With a savory filling of pork, rice, onions, and dill, topped with a creamy egg and lemon sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this traditional Greek dish for a special occasion or weeknight meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my collection of old cookbooks. I had always loved trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors, and that day I was feeling particularly inspired.
As I flipped through the pages of one of my favorite cookbooks, my eyes landed on a recipe for Stuffed Courgettes with egg and lemon sauce. The combination of flavors sounded intriguing, and I knew I had to give it a try. I read through the instructions carefully, taking note of the ingredients and the cooking process. It seemed like a simple dish to make, but I could tell that the flavors would be complex and delicious.
But where did this recipe come from? I wondered. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was curious to learn more about its origins. As I continued to read through the cookbook, I came across a note penciled in the margin of the page. It read: "Recipe from my dear friend Maria, passed down through generations in our family."
Maria. The name sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. I wracked my brain, trying to remember where I had heard the name before. And then it hit me. Maria was the name of my grandmother's best friend, a woman who had been like a second mother to me when I was growing up.
I remembered spending countless hours in Maria's kitchen, watching her cook up delicious meals with ease and grace. She had a way with food that was truly magical, and I had always admired her culinary skills. Could this be the same Maria who had shared this recipe with my grandmother all those years ago?
Excitement bubbled up inside me as I realized the connection. I knew that I had to make this dish and honor the memory of Maria and my grandmother by recreating it in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients I needed and set to work, following the recipe's instructions to the letter.
The process of making the Stuffed Courgettes with egg and lemon sauce was a labor of love. I carefully hollowed out the courgettes, filled them with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, and baked them in the oven until they were tender and golden brown. In the meantime, I prepared the egg and lemon sauce, whisking together eggs, lemon juice, and chicken broth until the sauce was thick and creamy.
When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took a moment to admire my handiwork. The stuffed courgettes looked beautiful, their golden skins glistening in the light. I drizzled the egg and lemon sauce over the top, letting it seep into the nooks and crannies of the courgettes.
I took a bite, and the flavors exploded in my mouth. The tangy lemon sauce paired perfectly with the savory filling, creating a dish that was both comforting and elegant. I closed my eyes and savored the taste, feeling a sense of peace and connection to my past.
As I finished my meal, I thought of my grandmother and Maria, two strong and beautiful women who had shaped my love of cooking and inspired me to always try new things in the kitchen. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer to the ones we love.
And so, every time I make Stuffed Courgettes with egg and lemon sauce, I think of my grandmother and Maria, and I am grateful for the gift of their recipes and their enduring legacy of love and friendship. Cooking this dish is not just about nourishing my body, but also about nourishing my soul and honoring the memories of those who came before me. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of where I come from and the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Dill Recipes | Macedonian Meat Dishes | Macedonian Recipes | Pork Recipes | Rice Recipes | Slavic Recipes |