Albanian Style Stuffed Zucchini (Kungull të Mbushur)

Kungull të Mbushur, or Albanian Style Stuffed Zucchini, is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in Albanian cuisine. This recipe features tender zucchini filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

Albanian Style Stuffed Zucchini (Kungull të Mbushur)

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 pound ground meat (beef or lamb)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow center.
  3. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stuff the hollowed-out zucchinis with the meat and rice mixture.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed zucchinis in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side until browned.
  6. Pour the tomato sauce and water over the zucchinis, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is cooked through.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large skillet Knife Cutting board Bowl

Tools

Oven

Serving suggestions

Serve the Kungull të Mbushur with a side of fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a delicious meat-free alternative.

Cost

$15