Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis (approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 1 tsp (6g) sea salt
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (170g) cooked quinoa
- 1 cup (198g) cooked brown lentils
- 8 oz (225g) cremini mushrooms, finely diced
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (32g) tomato paste
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- ½ tsp (2.5g) smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsp (12g) nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp (8g) almond flour
- ½ tsp (2.5g) garlic powder
- pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out the center flesh, leaving a ¼ inch (6mm) wall around the edges.
- Sprinkle the insides of the zucchini boats with salt and let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel and brush with olive oil.
- Heat 2 tbsp (30ml) of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms are browned and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and paprika; cook for 2 minutes until the paste turns a deep brick red.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cooked quinoa, lentils, and chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Spoon the filling mixture evenly into the prepared zucchini boats.
- Mix the nutritional yeast, almond flour, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this savory topping over the filling.
- Place boats in a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-30 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden brown.