Zucchini Stuffed With Ricotta (Zucchine Ripiene Con Ricotta) |
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Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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I found this and had to post before even trying - that way it would be here when I need it! In this dish, zucchini are stuffed with the twin stars of Calabrian cheese making: pecorino and ricotta. Flecked with tomato and mint, they are equally good eaten hot or at room temperature on a warm summer day, which is what we have almost all year long :) This recipe was first published in Saveur in Issue #113 Ingredients:
6 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise (about 2 lbs.) |
7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil |
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped |
1 yellow onion, finely chopped |
2 medium tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped |
2 cups homemade ricotta cheese or 2 cups store-bought ricotta cheese |
3/4 cup grated pecorino cheese |
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumb |
3 tablespoons finely chopped flat leaf parsley |
2 teaspoons dried mint, crumbled |
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano |
2 egg yolks, beaten |
kosher salt |
fresh ground black pepper, to taste |
1 pinch red pepper flakes (or perhaps two pinches of pepper!) |
Directions:
1. Using a small spoon, scoop out and discard pulp from each zucchini half, leaving a 1/4 rim around the edges.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 10 skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 6 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 4 minutes more.
5. Remove from the heat and set aside.
6. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, 1/4 cup of the pecorino, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs, the parsley, mint, oregano, and egg yolks.
7. Fold in the onion mixture and season with salt and pepper;& a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes; set the filling aside.
8. Arrange an oven rack about 7 from the broiler element and heat.
9. Rub the insides of the zucchini with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season lightly with salt.
10. Place zucchini cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes.
11. Remove baking sheet from oven and fill each zucchini half with enough of the ricotta mixture that it mounds slightly but doesn't spill over the edges of the zucchini.
12. Sprinkle each stuffed zucchini with the remaining pecorino and bread crumbs and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
13. Broil until the zucchini are soft and the tops are lightly browned, 10–15 minutes.
14. Serve with other (vegetarian) dishes & some nice Italian wine and enjoy!
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