LEMONY WILD RICE ZUCCHINI BOATS

Lemony Wild Rice Zucchini Boats image

Provided by Catherine McCord

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 medium zucchini (about 2 pounds 10 ounces total), halved lengthwise
1 cup cooked wild rice or other rice
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (about 6 ounces)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
With a teaspoon, scoop out the flesh from each zucchini half, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Roughly chop 1 cup of the scooped-out flesh and place in a medium bowl. Discard the remaining flesh or save it for another use. Place the boats on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
Add the rice, tomatoes, mozzarella, pecans, lemon zest, egg, 1/2 cup of the panko, half of the parsley, 1 clove of the garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the bowl and gently fold until combined. Combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the remaining panko and parsley, remaining 1 clove garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste in a small bowl.
Spoon the zucchini mixture into the boats, mounding it as needed (see Cook's Note). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tops. Bake until the zucchini is softened and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
Meanwhile, whisk the lemon juice, honey, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper together in a small bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the zucchini and serve.