Black Bean Zucchini Boat

COURSE Vegetarian Main Course

SERVES about 6

TIME About 30 minutes

Cooking Tips:

• This dish work well with large zucchinis, the larger the diameter the better. Small zucchinis will significantly limit the stuffing.

• For pre-soaked black beans, it will take about 30 mins to cook the beans. If using cooked / canned beans, this cooking time can be eliminated.

• The zucchini is cooked separately from the black bean stuffing. The two cooking process can happen concurrently to save time.

• Smoked Paprika provides a very rich flavor compare to the regular paprika. If no smoked paprika on hand, chili powder also works well.

• The zucchini boat can be filling. A side of squash or avocado can be a good compliment.

Ingredients:

• 4 large zucchinis

• 1½ Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., olive oil, corn oil, canola oil), divided

• 2 cans of black beans, drained (or 1 cup of dried black beans, pre-soak, which produced about 3 cups cooked)

• 2 bell pepper, chopped

• 10 cherry tomatoes (or ½ Tbsp of tomato paste), rough chopped

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, rough chopped

• 2½ Tsp cumin

• 2½ Tsp smoked paprika

• Salt, to taste

• Zest from one lime

• Juice from one lime, about 1 Tbsp

• Shredded cheese, any kind, to taste

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425.

2. Halve the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the middle. Leave about 1/4 inch around the peels. Save the scooped out flesh aside for the black bean filling.

3. Brush the zucchinis halves with about 1/2 Tsp of cooking oil, and place into the oven to bake for about 15 mins.

4. Heat the remaining cooking oil in a pot over medium high heat.

5. Add in the onion and garlic to stir for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

6. Add in the bell pepper and lime zest, and stir for a couple of minutes.

7. Dump out the extra liquid before adding the zucchini flesh. Stir in black beans, zucchini flesh, tomatoes, and lime juice. Cook for about 5 - 7 minutes. Add a tablespoon of water if it's too dry.

8. Turn off the heat and roughly blend the black bean mixture with a immersion blender.

9. Scoop the black bean mixture onto the zucchini boat. Broil the zucchini boat for 2 - 3 mins to slightly char the top. The broiling is optional.

10. Top with cheese and cilantro before serving.

Recipe Inspiration:

• The black bean mixture is inspired by "Amazing Black Bean Burger" posted on Feasting at Home.

• Zucchini Boat idea come from "Stuffed Zucchini Boat with Sausage and Parmesan" posted on Well Plated by Erin