Crockpot Stuffed Zucchini |
Had all these zukes in my fridge for a few days now, got them at the farmers market and thought I needed to make a recipe inspired by my Aunt Esther (RIP) I didn't have her recipe, so I made it as close to my memory as possible...these were always my favorite, I used to watch her as a kid make them, she made the best stuffed zucchini in the world! My Aunt owned a farm in Whitesboro NY and they raised their own squash. Her husband, my Uncle Dave, had seeds called Kusa. These seeds were a breed of their own, the squash was a light pale green in color and cross between green and yellow squash. I so wish to have them again, but long since their passing that taste remains etched in my memory. I had purchased these yellow squash and some green zukes, and began my journey into the past in hopes to recreate these in similarity. Of course this isn't the exact recipe, but diffinitely satisfied with my fabulous memories of these and made me miss my Aunt Esther (my mom's sister) even more if that is possible...I loved her dearly and always will. What a fabulous cook she was.
1 cup of raw quick-cooking rice
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry basil
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 whole fresh basil leaf
2 sprigs of fresh mint
8 to 10 small assorted colored zucchini's dark green, yellow or green squash ... if your lucky enough to cultivate Kusa's from seeds those are the best squash to use!
1 28oz can of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or whole tomatoes pureedAdd water to just below the stuffed zucchini in the crockpot.
Add 1/2 cup white wine.
Slice squash in half. With a spoon hollow out the centers with a small spoon, not too far in so not to rip them. ( I use the scooped out insides to make zucchini breads or use for filling omelets. You can also freeze these leftovers, place the raw zucchini in a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months.). In a bowl mix meat, rice and all spices except bay leaves. Stuff raw hamburger/rice mixture into each half. Lay each one in the crockpot. Add water, wine and tomato sauce, put on low for at least 8 hours, around the last two hours, add the fresh basil and mint...that's it!! serve this with Homemade pita bread and enjoy! If you prefer to use the stovetop or baking them, no problem, set on low or (300 degrees in the oven) in a large dutch oven style pan, cover with water, cook till tender Have a safe and wonderful weekend and thanks for reading!
These stuffed zucchini look so special and delish! Preparing them in a crockpot sounds very healthy too.
ReplyDeleteGreat recipe. I have never thought of doing zucchini in the crock. Brilliant! I'll have to look for those liners. What a time saver.
ReplyDeleteAs for the stuffed Kusa, Ted told me about it. An old Lebanese recipe. He described the squash just as you say, not a zucchini, not a yellow squash, not a cuke but somewhere in the middle. He said the middle would be cleaned out and the stuffing pushed into the whole squash. I recreated the recipe years ago and the result was pretty good but had to use small zucchini since I had no clue what I was looking for by way of Kusa??
Gorgeous stuffed zucchini dish. Great flavors. You made your aunt proud for sure.
ReplyDeletedeliciopus dish ,your zuchinni are full of flavors!
ReplyDeleteGreat zucchini recipe. We can NEVER have enough of those. Thanks to your Aunt Esther!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicious stuffed zucchini! Love the filling! Your Aunt would be proud. Such a good idea to make them in your crock pot.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to honor her - and to use all those great zucchinis. This is literally stuffed with some great combination of ingredients.
ReplyDeleteA delicious dish, love the flavour profile - it seems almost Middle Eastern. A wonderful way to remember your aunt :)
ReplyDeleteClaudia, you know how much I love cooking in the crock pot, and this one looks like a great reason to break it out again from the storage cabinet.
ReplyDeleteTrès magnifique et bon appétit!
CCR
=:~)
the stuffed zucchini look wonderful, love the additions of allspice and cinnamon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic crockpot recipe! Going to put this on my list of crockpot recipes (which I'm always looking for new ones)
ReplyDeleteThe zuch's held together so well too.
What a lovely tribute to your aunt. You've reproduced a dish with happy memories, and your pictures do the dish justice. :)
ReplyDeleteSo lovely. Family recipes are simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that you are a fabulous cook as your aunt, great recipe!
ReplyDeleteNice one Claudia, your aunt is smiling down on you for sharing this one. I must say great ingenuity during a remodel, I hate being under construction!
ReplyDeleteThis is a healthy and yummy family recipe with a very good looking stuffed zucchini :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Gera
That looks fabulous. I need to start using my crock pot more.
ReplyDeleteWell...here's one more reason for me to look forward to getting my crock pot. I'm just waiting to get to my new place and I'll be slow cooking everything. LOL
ReplyDeleteCiao for now,
Claudia
Wonderful tribute and a great way to ease into fall with the spices you have used in the sauce!
ReplyDeleteGreat recipe for a crockpot! And a lovely tribute to your Aunt.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post...your aunt most have been a wonderful cook. These are beautiful and seems that the crock pot did a pretty good job :)
ReplyDeleteAllspice and cinnamon - loving his very much. It's wonderful to recreate what was given to you. And in turn - give it to others,
ReplyDelete