Kunguj të Mbushur me Mish (Albanian Stuffed Zucchini with Meat)
A classic Albanian comfort food where zucchini are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and herbs, then baked in a tomato sauce. This dish is a staple in Mediterranean cuisines, highlighting the versatility of zucchini.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 count Medium zucchini(about 2 lbs total)
- 1.25 lbs Ground beef
- 1 count Medium white onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 0.5 cup Long-grain rice(rinsed)
- 1 bunch Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Water or beef broth
- 1.5 tsp Salt(adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash zucchini, slice in half lengthwise, and hollow out the centers to create boats, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh. Reserve the scooped-out zucchini flesh.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- 4
Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, rinsed rice, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring to combine.
- 5
Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- 6
Place the hollowed zucchini boats in a baking dish. Spoon the meat and rice filling evenly into each zucchini boat.
- 7
Pour the cup of water or beef broth around the zucchini in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- 8
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the zucchini are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top of the filling to slightly crisp.
- 9
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose medium-sized zucchini for easier stuffing and even cooking.
- ✓Do not pierce the zucchini skin when hollowing, as it will hold the filling and juices.
- ✓Ensure the rice is rinsed well to remove excess starch.
🔄 Variations
- Lamb can be used instead of beef.
- A pinch of dried oregano or mint can be added to the filling.