Zucchini filled with Cottage Cheese

Zucchini filled with Cottage Cheese Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Zucchini filled with cottage cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of tender zucchini and creamy cottage cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of zucchini filled with cottage cheese are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where zucchini and cottage cheese are commonly used in traditional cuisine. This dish has since become popular in many other parts of the world, thanks to its simple yet delicious flavors.

Ingredients

6 zucchini
12 oz/350 g cottage cheese
2 eggs
2 tbsp butter
1.5 cups sour cream
salt

How to prepare

Remove the peel from the zucchini, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the pulp and seeds. Sprinkle a little salt on the zucchini.
In a bowl, combine the cheese, eggs, 1 tbsp of butter, and 2 tbsp of sour cream.
Fill the zucchini halves with the mixture.
Place the filled zucchini on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp of melted butter, and bake until they turn golden brown.
Pour the remaining sour cream over the baked zucchini and serve while hot.

Variations

Add chopped herbs like dill or parsley to the cottage cheese filling for extra flavor.
Top the zucchini with breadcrumbs or grated cheese before baking for a crunchy topping.
Mix in cooked quinoa or rice to the cottage cheese filling for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the seeds and pulp from the zucchini to create a hollow space for the cottage cheese filling.

- Sprinkling salt on the zucchini helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring that the filling stays creamy and flavorful.

- Drizzling melted butter over the zucchini before baking helps to create a golden brown crust on the outside.

- Serving the zucchini with a dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy finish to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Zucchini filled with cottage cheese can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the zucchini in the oven helps to cook them evenly and create a golden brown crust on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ricotta cheese or feta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a different flavor.

- Olive oil can be used instead of butter for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the zucchini and the cottage cheese filling ahead of time and assemble them just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the zucchini filled with cottage cheese on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Zucchini filled with cottage cheese pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of zucchini filled with cottage cheese contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of zucchini filled with cottage cheese contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of zucchini filled with cottage cheese contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of zucchini filled with cottage cheese contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. Cottage cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cottage cheese, butter, sour cream) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Zucchini filled with cottage cheese is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins, fats, and vitamins. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Zucchini filled with cottage cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a creamy and flavorful filling, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Zucchini filled with Cottage Cheese. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, a skilled cook and a wonderful teacher, was the one who introduced me to this unique and delicious dish.

I remember it was a warm summer day, and the sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky. My grandmother and I had spent the morning tending to the garden, picking fresh vegetables and herbs for our meals. As we gathered zucchinis from the vine, my grandmother began to explain the recipe to me.

She told me that this dish was a traditional recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. The combination of tender zucchini and creamy cottage cheese was a favorite in our family, and my grandmother was eager to pass down the recipe to me.

We returned to the kitchen, where my grandmother guided me through the steps of preparing the zucchinis. First, we sliced the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scooped out the seeds, creating little boats to hold the filling. Then, we mixed together cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of seasoning to create a flavorful mixture that would be spooned into the zucchini halves.

As we worked together, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and the many meals she had enjoyed with her family. She spoke of the simple pleasures of cooking with fresh ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I listened intently, absorbing her wisdom and knowledge like a sponge.

Once the zucchinis were filled and baked to perfection, my grandmother presented the dish to our family with a proud smile. The aroma of herbs and cheese filled the air, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The zucchinis were tender and flavorful, the creamy cottage cheese melting in my mouth with each bite. It was a dish unlike any other I had tasted before, and I knew that it would become a favorite in my own repertoire of recipes.

Over the years, I have continued to make this dish for my family and friends, sharing the recipe and the memories of that warm summer day with each bite. I have added my own touch to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create new variations of this classic dish. But the essence of the recipe remains the same – a simple yet delicious combination of zucchini and cottage cheese that never fails to delight.

As I look back on that day with my grandmother, I am grateful for the gift of her wisdom and knowledge. She taught me not only how to cook, but also how to appreciate the simple pleasures of good food and the joy of sharing it with others. And every time I make Zucchini filled with Cottage Cheese, I am reminded of her love and her legacy, which will live on in my kitchen for generations to come.