Stuffed Zucchini with Potatoes and Peas

This Indian-spiced dish combines the flavor of the salty stuffing with the sweetness of the zucchini, for a wonderful overall taste!

Slice 6 medium-sized zucchini in half lengthwise. Mine were actually probably a little too small, in retrospect, to hold all of the stuffing, so when you purchase your zucchini, make sure they total about 3 pounds. Scoop out their pulp, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell intact. Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish (use two, if you don't have one that's large enough) and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Discard the zucchini pulp or save for another use.

Peel and dice 1 and 1/2 cups of baking potato. Cook in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons vegan butter (such as Earth Balance) and 2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat - definitely use a large skillet here! I used my medium-sized one, and realized it was nearly overflowing by the end.

Add 2 and 1/2 cups chopped onion, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger, 2 crushed garlic cloves (I used 4 very small cloves), and 1 minced serrano chile - keep the seeds in the chile, for authentic Indian-cuisine heat! Saute for 3 minutes, then stir in 2 tablespoons chickpea (garbanzo) flour, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric, 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper, and 1/4 tsp. ground cumin; cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat.

Stir in 1/4 tsp. salt, the cooked potatoes, 1 and 1/2 cups frozen green peas (thawed in advance), and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro.

Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels (which I forgot to do!), and fill each shell with about 1/3 cup of the stuffing. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

2 stuffed zucchini halves make a serving of 150 calories. Serve with some rice and lentils to round out the meal!

Cost:
zucchini $5.48
onion $1.92
ginger $0.84
serrano chile $0.20
chickpea flour $3.49
frozen green peas $2.99
cilantro $1.69

On a completely unrelated note, my first niece was born just about an hour ago. WELCOME INTO THE WORLD OLIVIA!