There’s no wrong way to eat zucchini. Whether you’re using your Hamilton Beach® electric spiralizer to make long zoodles, baking it into zucchini bread, or sautéing slices for a simple summer side dish, there are plenty of recipes that incorporate this seasonal veggie.
One of my favourite ways to enjoy this summer squash is making zucchini boats. Zucchini boats are extremely easy to prepare and even easier to customize. Experiment with Italian, Thai, and Mexican flavor profiles to see which the family likes the most.
Make these Mexican zucchini boats for a low-carb Taco Tuesday dinner or when you want to make sure the kids are eating their veggies.
First, cut the zucchini in half, lengthwise. Then scoop out the center of the zucchini using a lemon baller, small ice cream scoop, or a tablespoon. Salt the zucchini halves (this is the only opportunity you’ll have to season the vegetable before it bakes) and set aside.
In a medium bowl, make your filling. Combine chopped chicken, cheese, black beans, corn, salsa, bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeno, cumin, chili powder, and salt. For a shortcut, pick up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery story or use grilled chicken leftovers from the weekend’s cookout. Want a vegetarian version? Skip the chicken altogether and add extra beans.
Spoon ⅓ cup (you might need more depending on if your squash boat is more of a yacht than a canoe) of the mixture into the zucchini halves. The Test Kitchen wrote this recipe so that you’ll have plenty of extra filling to use throughout the week in taco cups, rice bowls, or quesadillas. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees in your Hamilton Beach® Easy Reach Toaster Oven. Add a little (or a lot) of extra cheese on top and bake another 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with some fresh cilantro and dinner is served. Serve with chips and homemade salsa for a Mexican-themed dinner any night of the week.
TAGS: black beans, chicken, corn, Mexican food, zucchini
CATEGORIES: Everyday Recipes, Healthy Eating, main courses
