Introduction:
For those days when you’re craving pizza but want to keep things light and healthy, Zucchini Pizza Boats come to the rescue. These delightful vessels allow you to enjoy the flavors of a traditional pizza, but with a fraction of the carbs. It’s a brilliant way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while indulging in the classic pizza taste we all know and love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperonis or sliced toppings of your choice (bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, hollow out the center of each zucchini half, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick zucchini “boat.”
- Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Spoon pizza sauce into each zucchini boat, distributing it evenly among them.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce-filled zucchini boats.
- Top with mini pepperonis or your chosen pizza toppings.
- Transfer the baking dish or sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your low-carb pizza experience!
Notes:
- You can customize the zucchini pizza boats with your favorite pizza toppings. Think outside the box with options like crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, or even BBQ chicken.
- The scooped-out zucchini flesh can be saved and used in other recipes, like zucchini fritters or scrambled eggs.
FAQ:
- How can I prevent the zucchini boats from being too watery after baking?
- After hollowing out the zucchini, you can sprinkle a bit of salt inside and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will draw out some moisture. Pat them dry before adding toppings.
- Can I prepare Zucchini Pizza Boats ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the boats (with toppings) and store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking.
- Is there a vegan option?
- Absolutely! Swap out traditional mozzarella for a vegan cheese alternative and choose plant-based toppings.