Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

Method

1. 1

   Bring water and white rice to boil in a saucepan. Reduce the heat to low until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes {if using brown rice, cooked according to package}.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.

3. 3

   Scoop out the flesh from the zucchini halves using a melon baller or a cookie dough scoop, starting about 1/2 inch from the end creating a boat. Reserve the zucchini flesh. Place the boats face down on the greased cookie sheet.

4. 4

   Bake boats in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. While the boats are baking heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook beef, lamb, onions and garlic and spices until the meat is done and no longer pink. Drain and discard the grease.

5. 5

   Mix with meat mixture, rice and tomato sauce together and stir until combined.

6. 6

   After 15 minutes remove the zucchini from the oven. Flip over the zucchini halves using tongs. Scoop the rice and meat mixture into the zucchini boats and bake for 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender to the touch of a fork.

7. 7

   Remove from the oven and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.