Baked Stuffed Vegetables

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: ground turkey

Lentils provide a plant-based option, while ground turkey is less expensive than beef.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier with a higher smoke point, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is a nutritious alternative, while bulgur is a cost-effective grain.

tomatoes

🥗Healthier: tomato puree

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Tomato puree offers a concentrated flavor, while canned tomatoes are budget-friendly.

Cut the eggplant in half and scoop out the meaty part to create a container for stuffing.

Chop up the scooped-out eggplant and set it aside for the stuffing.

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and scoop out the insides, leaving the stems intact.

Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise to create two vessels for stuffing.

Scoop out some of the insides of the zucchini, but not too deep, as the vegetables will mellow out when cooked.

Prepare the onions by cleaning them and scooping out some of the insides to create a vessel.

Patch any holes in the vegetables with small pieces of the scooped-out flesh.

Soak day-old bread in vegetable soup or meat stock, then squeeze out excess water and crumble it.

In a bowl, combine the crumbled bread, chopped eggplant, eggs, chopped scallions, thyme, parsley, grated cheese, and provolone cheese. Mix well to combine.

Season the stuffing mixture with a little salt and ground pepper.

Dress the hollowed-out vegetables with a little oil and vegetable salt.

Fill each vegetable with the stuffing mixture, being careful not to overstuff them.

Arrange the stuffed vegetables in a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Cover the baking pan with foil, making sure the foil does not touch the vegetables.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until crisp.

Check the doneness of the vegetables; they should be soft and tender.

Serve hot or at room temperature.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary