Zucchini Boats

These stuffed zucchini boats are filled with a hearty, well-seasoned chopped turkey
mixture and baked to perfection. Any leftovers can be frozen.

1h 30m 8
Easy Meat Freezer-Friendly

Contains: Wheat, Gluten

Directions

  1. Combine bulgur and boiling water in a bowl. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes, until bulgur is soft and/or liquid is absorbed. Drain excess liquid if necessary. Set aside.

  2. Line a baking sheet with Gefen Parchment Paper and spray with cooking spray.

  3. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out zucchini with a small spoon or melon scoop, leaving about 1/4 inch (1/2 centimeter) on the bottom and a small rim on each side, forming a boat-like shape. (Reserve flesh if desired, see following step.) Place on prepared baking sheet.

  4. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and sauté for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. If desired, dice a handful of the scooped-out

    zucchini, add it to the pan, and sauté for one to two minutes.

  5. Stir in the spices. Add the marinara sauce and one cup cooked bulgur (refrigerate or freeze leftover bulgur). Stir and let cook for three minutes.

  6. The mixture should be saucy but not soupy (add a little water if necessary). Taste and adjust seasoning, if desired. Remove from heat. Add the turkey and applesauce (adds sweetness and creamy texture; don’t leave it out!) and mix well.

  7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

  8. Fill each zucchini shell generously with the turkey mixture. Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes. If desired, combine lemon juice and honey and drizzle over the boats. It adds a great pop of sweet and tart flavor.

  9. Return to oven and bake for another 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit a few minutes before serving.

Credits

Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, use different colored zucchini — dark green, light green, and yellow.

Notes:
Bulgur can be swapped for quinoa, rice, or whatever you fancy. I prefer the chewy yet soft texture of bulgur in this dish.

Description:
Styling and Photography by Chay Berger
Food and Prep by Leah Hamaoui

Suggested Recipes

Explore

boats brynie greisman chopped meat courgettes freezer-friendly ground turkey healthier hearty low sugar lunch mince squash
Did you make this recipe yet?

What Cooks Are Saying

5.0 out of 5

1 global rating

5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

Photos from Our Community

See how these recipes turned out in real kitchens. Photos from home cooks will appear here as they're shared.

Tell Us How It Went: Share Your Experience

1 Comment

nava zelman •

Can you replace turkey with ground meat?

Raquel Malul Kosher.com Team •
Reply to nava zelman

Sure!