Pontic Style Stuffed Zucchini (Ποντιακά Γεμιστά Κολοκυθάκια)

Ποντιακά Γεμιστά Κολοκυθάκια, or Pontic Style Stuffed Zucchini, is a traditional dish from the Pontic Greek cuisine. This recipe features zucchinis stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and ground meat, creating a delicious and hearty meal.

Pontic Style Stuffed Zucchini (Ποντιακά Γεμιστά Κολοκυθάκια)

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 250g ground meat (beef or lamb)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, grated
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchinis by cutting off the tops and hollowing out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh. Reserve the flesh for later use.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water and drain.
  3. In a bowl, mix the rice, ground meat, chopped onion, grated tomato, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and the reserved zucchini flesh. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stuff the zucchinis with the rice and meat mixture, leaving a little space at the top for the rice to expand.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place the stuffed zucchinis in the pot, arranging them snugly next to each other.
  6. Add enough water to the pot to partially cover the zucchinis. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the zucchinis are tender and the rice is cooked.
  7. Serve the stuffed zucchinis hot, drizzled with a little olive oil and accompanied by a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Knife Bowl Spoon

Tools

Cutting board Chef's knife Grater

Serving suggestions

Serve the stuffed zucchinis with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground meat and increase the amount of rice and vegetables in the stuffing mixture.

Cost

$15