Imagine a dish that combines the hearty goodness of quinoa, the classic flavors of pizza, and the fresh crunch of zucchini - all grilled to perfection! These Grilled Quinoa Pizza Zucchini Boats are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that will transform your dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, pizza lovers, and anyone looking to add a delicious twist to their weeknight cooking, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, halved
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). If using a grill pan, preheat it on the stovetop.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the zucchinis. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise to create boats. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh from the center, creating enough space to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, marinara sauce, chopped bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fill each zucchini boat with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in. Leave a little space at the top, as the filling may expand slightly while cooking.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each filled zucchini boat.
- Lightly brush the outside of the zucchini boats with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Carefully place the zucchini boats on the preheated grill or grill pan. Close the lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the zucchini boats from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and make them easier to handle.
- Serve the grilled quinoa pizza zucchini boats warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best boat shape and texture. Avoid overly large zucchinis as they can become watery.
- Pat the zucchini dry before grilling to ensure a nice char and prevent excess moisture.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works equally well in an oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
- For extra flavor, try adding some crispy pancetta or chorizo to the quinoa mixture.
- Make sure to scoop out just enough zucchini flesh to create a deep boat without breaking through the bottom.
- Let the zucchini boats rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 182kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 18mg
