Stuffed zucchini

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 8 zucchini (choose a less narrow variety for stuffing)
• 11 oz lean ground beef
• 1 oz breadcrumbs soaked in milk 
• 2 oz grated Parmigiano Reggiano 
• 2 eggs
• salt and pepper
• extra virgin olive oil 
• 1/2 lb small pachino tomatoes, halved
• 4 basil leaves

 

Cook the zucchini in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Shock them under cold water to cool. Scoop out the pulp with a small knife and puree in a mixer with salt, pepper, and the breadcrumbs. 

Transfer to a bowl and combine with the beef, salt, pepper, egg, and cheese. Mix well. Place the eggplant shells on a baking tray greased with oil. Season with salt and pepper, and dress with a drizzle of olive oil. Fill the halves with the meat stuffing. Arrange the basil leaves and tomatoes on the bottom of the tray with a small sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bake at 390°F for about 40 minutes.