Zucchini Boats
As appetizers, snacks, or lunch, these zucchini boats are a tasty solution to those hunger pangs.
Couscous mixed with fresh vegetables and a delightfully zingy dressing, mounded up into grilled zucchini boats for easy delivery into eagerly waiting tummies.
I absolutely love the flavours in this simple dish. There is a tangy tart element that is tempered with the sweetness of the fresh tomato and grilled zucchini.
Both vegan and gluten-free, there aren't too many people who won't be able to enjoy these as an appetizer, snack, or as I like to enjoy them, as a light lunch.
Ingredients
(Makes 4 servings)
2, 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 medium zucchini, washed and halved lengthwise
1 cup uncooked couscous
1, 1/4 cups vegetable stock
juice from 1 lime
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 Roma tomatoes, deseeded and diced
sea salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped to garnish (optional)
Directions
Using 1/2 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, brush the cut-side of the zucchinis.
Using a grilling pan over medium-high heat, place the zucchinis cut-side down and grill until the zucchinis start to soften and become tender. Remove from the pan and set cut-side up on a serving plate. Using a spoon, scoop out a bit of the centre of the zucchini halves to create a long depression where the filling will rest. Put the scooped out zucchini into a large mixing bowl. Set the zucchini aside.
In a microwave-safe container, heat the vegetable stock to boiling. Remove from the microwave and stir in the uncooked couscous. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
In the large mixing bowl with the zucchini flesh scooped out earlier, add the remaining extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, spices and herbs. When the couscous is ready, fluff with a fork then mix into the bowl along with the diced tomato. Taste for seasoning and adjust.
Spoon onto the zucchini halves, filling the carved-out centres and mounding up along the length. (Optional) Top with fresh cilantro. Serve right away while it's still warm, or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavours mix and develop before serving cold.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
total calories = 133 | total fat = 8.69g | saturated fat = 1.22g | cholesterol = 0mg | sodium = 213.31mg | net carbohydrates = 11.18g | dietary fibre = 1.05g | sugars = 1.56g | protein = 2.08g
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