Qaqoċċ Mimli - Stuffed artichokes

minced meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Turkey is lower in fat, while pork is often less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola is often cheaper.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative, while bulgur is budget-friendly.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides to create boats.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent.

Add minced meat to the pan and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in rice, tomato paste, chopped parsley, cumin, salt, and black pepper; mix well.

Add water to the mixture and simmer for 10 minutes until rice is partially cooked.

Fill the zucchini boats with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently.

Top each stuffed zucchini with cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Place stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish and add bay leaves around them.

Drizzle with olive oil and cover with foil.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until zucchinis are tender and cheese is melted.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the topping.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: