Tikvice Punjenje Mesom i Rižom
Zucchini Stuffed with Meat and Rice
A comforting and flavorful dish where zucchini are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, then baked in a tomato-based sauce. This dish showcases the use of fresh produce and hearty ingredients common in Bosnian home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 large Medium zucchini
- 500 g Ground beef
- 1 cup Short-grain rice
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 2 cups Water or beef broth
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out the centers with a spoon, leaving about a 1/2 cm thick wall. Chop the removed zucchini flesh and set aside.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the ground beef, rinsed short-grain rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 3
Gently stuff each zucchini half with the meat and rice mixture, filling them generously.
- 4
In a large pot or oven-safe dish, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the reserved chopped zucchini flesh and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Pour in the tomato sauce and water (or broth). Bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with a little salt and pepper.
- 6
Carefully arrange the stuffed zucchini halves in the simmering sauce. Ensure they are nestled snugly.
- 7
Cover the pot or dish tightly with a lid or foil. If using an oven-safe dish, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is cooked through. If cooking on the stovetop, simmer on low heat for the same duration.
- 8
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot, spooning some of the sauce over each portion.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- ✓Ensure the rice is rinsed well to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the filling from becoming too gummy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use ground lamb or a mixture of beef and lamb for a different flavor profile.
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or carrots to the filling for extra vegetables.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a mixture of rice, finely chopped mushrooms, and other vegetables.