Sunday, August 1, 2010

Something New: Southwest Zucchini Boats

After meal planning for the next 15+ days and making our major grocery visit yesterday, I attempted a new dish this evening with some success. My first accomplishment, prior to anyone tasting the dish, was the fact that the entree I prepared looked exactly like the photo from the recipe magazine. This NEVER happens for me. Ever. So I was simply delighted by this and was ready to call it a success regardless of the taste.

I served the meal as shown to the left ... Southwest Zucchini Boats as the entree, served with a condiment of sour cream, a side of baked red potatoes, and a few grapes to Mr. McGoo and my youngest sis... Kelsey took the first bite and quickly gave her compliments. I took the second bite, my sis wasn't lying, and Mr. McGoo admitted that it was one of the best meals I've made. Hmmm...

So I gotta share this different treat.... hope you enjoy too.

Southwest Zucchini Boats

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:
  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 1 lb. ground beef - I used ground turkey instead
  • 3/4 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro - didn't have it, so skipped it
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • Sour Cream, optional
Directions:
  • Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells. (Don't throw away the leftover zucchini pulp. Freeze and save it for zucchini bread later. Or add it to vegetable soups and stews.)
  • Place shells in an ungreased 3-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef (turkey) over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the salsa, bread crumbs, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup cheese. Spoon into zucchini shells.
  • Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and zucchini are tender. Serve with sour cream if desired.

3 comments:

Kelly said...

INteresting... I am in need of a zucchini recipe...

Candace Joseph said...

That looks SO yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe (I need to do that more). Sounds like it has some kick to it? James would love this...

Sum said...

I'm impressed with the Zucchini meal, yes. I'm also blown away that it's possible to plan for the next 15 days for meals. I was thinking about this the other day... that when you have Wal-Mart this is possible. But if you have an outdoor market and a tiny fridge and freezer the size of a shoe box - it's not possible. Oh... meal planning. Something else to look forward to. :o)