Middle Eastern Stuffed Zucchini

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Small zucchinis are stuffed with basmati rice, ground lamb, and mint in this Middle Eastern dish.

Ingredients

1/4 pound ground lamb
1/4 cup basmati rice
2 cups tomato puree, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried mint
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds small zucchini or yellow squash
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried mint

Directions

1 Mix together the ground lamb, basmati rice, 2 tablespoons tomato puree, 1/2 teaspoon mint, salt, and pepper; mix well, and set aside.
2 Slice the ends off of the zucchinis and hollow out the centers using an apple corer. Stuff with lamb mixture.
3 Stir together the remaining tomato puree with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large skillet. Place the stuffed zucchini into the sauce, and add enough water to cover the zucchini. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
4 Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of mint. Recover, and simmer an additional 15 minutes. To serve, cut the zucchini crosswise into rounds and arrange on a serving plate. Spoon sauce over the top.