stuffed zucchini boats! i have never eaten such a delicious zucchini! Healthy and easy!

stuffed zucchini boats! i have never eaten such a delicious zucchini! Healthy and easy! is a easy South African recipe that serves 3. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Do you like cooking? on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 58 min

Cost: $5.50 total, $1.83 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Courgette (medium, sliced into ½‑inch rounds)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for coating the vegetables)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped from stems)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 piece Onion (medium, diced)
  • 1 piece Tomato (medium, chopped)
  • 1 piece Carrot (medium, grated)
  • 30 grams Green Onion (sliced)
  • 30 grams Parsley (flat‑leaf, chopped)
  • 80 grams Mozzarella Cheese (shredded or sliced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 200 °C (400 °F) and let it preheat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 200°C

  2. Prepare Zucchini

    Slice the courgettes into ½‑inch rounds, place in a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, add thyme, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper, and toss to coat.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Start Roasting

    Spread the seasoned zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 200°C

  4. Add Tomato

    After the first 5 minutes, scatter the chopped tomato over the zucchini and gently stir.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Continue Roasting

    Return the tray to the oven and roast for another 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 200°C

  6. Add Carrot

    Sprinkle the grated carrot over the vegetables and give a quick toss.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Low‑Heat Roast

    Reduce oven heat slightly (or keep at 200 °C on a lower rack) and roast for 5 more minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 200°C

  8. Add Fresh Herbs & Mozzarella

    Remove the tray, scatter the sliced green onion, chopped parsley, an additional 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper, then top with 70‑100 g mozzarella. Return to the oven.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Final Bake

    Bake for 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is golden‑brown and bubbly.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 200°C

  10. Serve

    Remove from oven, let rest 2 minutes, then serve warm.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
7 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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stuffed zucchini boats! i have never eaten such a delicious zucchini! Healthy and easy!

Recipe by Do you like cooking?

A simple South African‑style oven‑roasted zucchini dish layered with fresh tomato, grated carrot, green onion, parsley and melted mozzarella. Perfect as a warm side or light main for 2‑3 people.

EasySouth AfricanServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.50
Total cost
$1.83
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheating the oven to the correct temperature.
  • Adding the tomato and carrot at the specified times to avoid over‑cooking.
  • Incorporating mozzarella at the end to achieve a golden melt without burning.
  • Ensuring the zucchini slices are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking sheet.
  • Be careful when chopping raw onion and carrot – keep fingers tucked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of roasted zucchini with mozzarella in South African cuisine?

A

Roasted vegetables are a staple in South African home cooking, especially during the summer when fresh produce is abundant. Adding mozzarella reflects the influence of European (particularly Italian) settlers who introduced cheese‑based dishes to the region.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of roasted zucchini dishes in South Africa?

A

In the Western Cape, courgette is often baked with a béchamel sauce, while in the Gauteng region it may be paired with cheddar and a sprinkle of peri‑peri spice. The basic concept of oven‑roasted courgette remains the same across regions.

cultural
Q

How is roasted zucchini with mozzarella traditionally served in South African households?

A

It is typically served as a side to braai (barbecue) meats, alongside pap (maize porridge) or a fresh salad. It can also be a standalone light meal with crusty bread.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is roasted zucchini with mozzarella commonly prepared in South Africa?

A

The dish appears at family braais, weekend lunches, and holiday gatherings such as Christmas or Easter when a colorful vegetable side is desired.

cultural
Q

What other South African dishes pair well with roasted zucchini with mozzarella?

A

It pairs nicely with bobotie, boerewors, grilled steak, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

What makes roasted zucchini with mozzarella special in South African cuisine?

A

The combination of locally grown courgette, fresh herbs, and melted European cheese showcases South Africa’s multicultural food heritage, blending African produce with European dairy traditions.

cultural
Q

How has the roasted zucchini with mozzarella recipe evolved over time in South Africa?

A

Originally, courgette was simply grilled or boiled. With modern ovens and the popularity of cheese, the recipe evolved to include layered vegetables and a finishing cheese melt, making it quicker and more flavorful.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making roasted zucchini with mozzarella?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the baking sheet, adding cheese too early (causing it to burn), and not preheating the oven fully, which leads to soggy zucchini.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe add tomato and carrot partway through the roasting process instead of at the start?

A

Adding tomato after 5 minutes prevents it from turning mushy, while the carrot is added later to retain a slight crunch. This timing ensures each vegetable reaches its optimal texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Do you like cooking? specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Do you like cooking? focuses on simple, home‑cooked meals from various world cuisines, emphasizing quick techniques, clear visuals, and budget‑friendly ingredients for everyday cooks.

channel

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