Originally found on Eating Well, these zu-canoes are perfect to make as a side dish. They taste amazing and you feel good while eating them.
While microwaving the zucchinis is fast and easy, you can also grill them on the BBQ during the summer months. If you have leftovers, you can alter the assembly and heat them in the oven so the cheese melts. It tastes absolutely delicious either way you make them.
Zu-Canoes
Ingredients
2 Medium 2-inch-wide Zucchinis
1 Tbsps Extra-virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp White-wine Vinegar
2 Tbsps (or less) Shallot, minced
1 cup Grape Tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup (preferably fresh) Mozzarella Cheese, diced
1/4 cup Fresh Basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
Trim both ends off zucchini; cut in half lengthwise. Cut a thin slice off the backs so each half sits flat. Scoop out the pulp. It is easiest to make marks in the zucchini like you would when scooping out an avocado. Chop the pulp and leave it to the side.
Place the zucchini halves in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover and microwave on High until tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. (You can also steam them in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water in a large skillet/pot or grill on the BBQ like mentioned above.)
Whisk oil, vinegar, shallot and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, cheese, basil and the reserved zucchini pulp; toss to combine. Divide the filling among the zu-canoes.
*If you decide you would like to try them warm (a great comfort food option) you can place the filling mixture inside the zucchini and proceed to microwave/grill/broil etc for a few minutes until you see the cheese melting.
Related:
One Pan Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini Recipe
Try this! It is good, really good!