Stuffed zucchini

There's change in the air. The markets were once full of radishes, greens, and strawberries, but this weekend I saw corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and summer squash. There is so much good produce right now as spring is quickly transitioning to summer (at least here in NC). I had to stop myself from buying one of everything.

When the weather gets hotter, it feels better to eat more vegetables and fruits than heavy, dense meals. I found this zucchini recipe and knew it would be perfect alongside potato salad, cheeses, cucumber slices, a lightly dressed pea shoot salad, and blueberries. This dish was more flavorful and delicious than I imagined. We fought over the last one.

Stuffed zucchini
inspired by Sassy Radish 
2 zucchini
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp scallions
4 garlic cloves
1/2 c garbanzo beans
2 oz goat cheese
3 tbsp yogurt
6-8 fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp fresh parsley

Turn the oven (or toaster oven)on to broil. Cut the zucchinis in half, and then half each piece (8 pieces). Scoop the middle of 6 zucchini pieces out with a spoon and reserve the seeds and flesh. Slice the other 2 zucchini pieces and set aside. Steam the 6 zucchini pieces over simmering water until tender. Place these pieces into a baking dish or onto a pan. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and cook for a few minutes. Then add the reserved flesh, seeds, and zucchini slices (from 2 extra zucchini pieces). Cook for a few minutes before adding the chickpeas and garlic. Blend the chickpea zucchini mixture with the goat cheese, yogurt, fresh basil and parsley. Taste once blended and make adjustments if needed (eg, more cheese/yogurt, splash of olive oil). Scoop the chickpea zucchini mixture into the 6 scooped out zucchini pieces and broil for 5-8 minutes. Enjoy!

Zucchini—also known as summer squash—is an excellent way to get more vitamin C and A, fiber, manganese, potassium, folate, and beta-carotene in your diet. The magnesium and potassium is helpful in lowering blood pressure. And the fiber found in squash is beneficial in lowering high cholesterol.

Source: whfoods.org