CHEESY STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

CHEESY STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS image

Provided by Rose Mary Mogan

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

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6 medium size zucchini or yellow squash
1 medium red onion or yellow, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
2 stalk(s) celery chopped
1/2 tsp each salt black pepper & thyme
1/2 c liquid egg white
1/2 lb bacon ( i omitted it)
2 c panko bread crumbs or other bread crumbs of your choice
1 c sharp shredded cheddar cheese (extra for top if desired)
non stick butter flavored cooking spray

Steps:

1. Wash the zucchini or squash thoroughly, then add to a large pot, and cook in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Then drain and allow to cool slightly. I used the microwave in two intervals of about 10 minutes each.
2. Spray a 9 X13 size casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside till needed. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Remove the stems from zucchini, then cut each in half lengthwise.
4. With a medium size spoon, remove the centers of each zucchini, and add it to a medium size bowl. Add each zucchini half to the prepared casserole dish.
5. Add coconut or canola oil to a large skillet, and add the chopped veggies, and cook about 3 to 4 minutes until crisp tender. Remove from heat, and add mixture to bowl with zucchini pulp.
6. Remove from heat & add mixture to bowl with zucchini pulp. If adding the bacon, cook till crisp, allow to cool, then crumble into stuffing to blend together.
7. Add the panko bread crumbs, spices, shredded cheese, & liquid egg whites. Stir till blended together.
8. Stuff each shell with an equal amount of the stuffing, till they are all filled.
9. Then top sparingly with extra shredded cheese if desired. Bake in preheated 350 degree. oven for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese melts and mixture is hot and bubbly. Garnish with a dash of paprika if desired, & serve hot.