Go Back
+ servings
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

Irresistibly Fresh Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Herb Rice

These Stuffed Zucchini Flowers are gluten-free and a perfect light appetizer for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 flowers
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 12 Zucchini Flowers Use male flowers for easier stuffing.
  • 1 cup Long Grain White Rice Substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup Grated Zucchini Can be replaced with grated carrots.
  • 1 White Onion Shallots work well as a substitute.
  • 2 Spring Onion Regular onion can be used if needed.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adjust to taste based on preferences.
  • 1 cup Grated Tomato Canned tomatoes are a suitable alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Spearmint
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Feel free to swap with a lighter oil if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice Reduce for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Water or Vegetable Stock Stock enhances the dish's richness.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Use zests of other citrus for variety.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Carefully remove the stems from your zucchini flowers and soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) while you prepare the filling.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over low heat, add onion, and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  4. Add spring onion and minced garlic, sauté for another 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the rice, coating it in the olive oil for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Incorporate grated zucchini and tomato, cook briefly, then fold in fresh herbs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  7. Stuff each zucchini flower halfway with the filling and twist the open end to seal.
  8. Arrange stuffed flowers in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, add water or stock, cover with foil.
  9. Bake for 1.5 hours, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. Let the stuffed flowers rest for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1flowerCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

These stuffed zucchini flowers are a stunning centerpiece and perfect for summer gatherings. Prepare filling ahead of time to make serve easier.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!