Couscous and Feta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 3/4 cup dry couscous
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Using a spoon, scoop out the centers of the zucchini halves, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the flesh and roughly chop it.

3. 3

   Arrange the zucchini shells cut-side up in the baking dish. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

4. 4

   Roast the zucchini shells for 12 to 15 minutes, until just tender but still holding their shape.

   12:00 · Roast zucchini shells
5. 5

   While the zucchini roasts, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

   5:00 · Bring broth to a boil
6. 6

   Stir in the couscous, cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

   5:00 · Let couscous stand
7. 7

   Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini flesh and garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.

   3:00 · Cook zucchini flesh and garlic
8. 8

   In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, sautéed zucchini mixture, cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, parsley, mint, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Toss to combine.

9. 9

   Divide the couscous mixture evenly among the roasted zucchini shells, mounding slightly.

10. 10

    Return the stuffed zucchini boats to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until heated through and the feta is soft.

    10:00 · Bake stuffed zucchini
11. 11

    Switch the oven to broil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned. Serve warm.

    2:00 · Broil zucchini boats