Hey there, culinary voyagers! Today we’re diving into a sea of flavors with Mediterranean Zucchini Boats, bursting with fresh ingredients and topped with a creamy garnish of feta cheese. With the start of a new year, I figured we would all benefit from some new and tasty low-carb dishes to try out! While the typical keto and low carb diet meals seem a tad bit boring and repetitive, it really is amazing what you can do with fresh ingredients that still fall into this diet and lifestyle! These Mediterranean Zucchini Boats are just that, low-carb yet yield high satisfaction! So, let’s get cookin’!

Ingredients:

For the zucchini boats:

4 medium zucchinis
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mediterranean filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup chopped cherry or sweet tomatoes (optional)

For the feta garnish finale:

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
Fresh parsley sprig (optional), for garnish
Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be your launchpad for the zucchini boats.
  2. Prepare the zucchinis: wash, dry, and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy boat-like shell. Don’t discard the flesh; we’ll be using it!
  3. Brush the inside of each zucchini boat with olive oil and season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate while you prepare the filling.
  4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  7. Now, pour in those diced tomatoes and their juices. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken up a bit.
  8. While the filling simmers, chop up the reserved zucchini flesh and add it to the pan. Stir it in and let it cook for a few minutes to soften further.
  9. Once the filling has simmered, stir in the chopped parsley and Kalamata olives (if using). You can also add chopped cherry or sweet tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
  10. Carefully fill your marinated zucchini boats with the warm Mediterranean mixture.
  11. Pop your veggie boats in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp and slightly browned.
  12. While they bake, crumble the feta cheese.
  13. When the boats are golden and ready, remove them from the oven.
  14. Now comes the grand finale! Generously top each boat with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Let the creamy, salty delight dance with the vibrant filling.
  15. Drizzle each boat with a touch of olive oil for an extra kiss of flavor.
  16. If you’d like, add a sprig of fresh parsley or mint for a final touch of garnish.

Tips:

  1. Feel free to customize the filling! Add bell peppers, red onions, chopped spinach, beans if not low carb and/or sun-dried tomatoes for additional textures and flavors. I make them differently every single time and they turn out amazing each time.
  2. You can also play with the level of spiciness by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños to the filling.
  3. Leftover zucchini flesh can be used in salads, stir-fries, or even fritters so save some for later if you don’t want it to be so much zucchini.
  4. Squeeze some fresh lemon on top for an extra tang!
  5. Pair this with cauliflower rice, asparagus or a mediterranean style salad for a complete meal!

Now you are ready to set sail on this culinary adventure with your Mediterranean Zucchini Boats and let the symphony of flavors serenade your palate! This dish really is a low-carb dream come true! They provide a sturdy, satisfying base, packed with vitamins and fiber. The Mediterranean filling explodes with flavor without relying on high-carb grains, leaving you feeling happy and full long after the last bite. Ditch the bland salads and say hello to a culinary adventure that keeps your taste buds singing and your body thriving. So, go ahead and try these out and experience the perfect blend of low-carb satisfaction and flavor-packed fun!

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