Barley Stuffed Zucchini Recipes

Steps:

• Split 2 medium zucchini and scoop out the seeds; season with salt. Combine 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 chopped tomato, 1/4 cup mixed chopped parsley and dill, 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into the zucchini; drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 425 degrees F, 25 to 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the barley; cook until tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the corn and cook until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add the vegetables to the barley and let cool.
• Whisk the vinegar, the remaining 6 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the barley salad, add the scallions and basil and toss. Top with the goat cheese.

Steps:

• Slice zucchini in half lengthwise.
• Microwave, flat side down on a paper towel for 3 or 4 minutes.
• Let cool a bit and scoop out pulp to form each half into a "boat".
• Put "boats" aside.
• Chop zucchini pulp.
• In a medium sauce pan, combine broth, mushrooms and barley.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked barley mixture, chopped zucchini pulp, bread crumbs, thyme, black pepper, black eyed peas and 1/8 cup of Parmesan cheese.
• Fill zucchini with filling.
• Place remaining filling into a greased baking pan.
• Place filled zucchini "boats" on top of stuffing.
• Pour can of tomatoes (with liquid) evenly on top of zucchini.
• Sprinkle with 2 T. Parmesan cheese.
• Bake, uncovered @375 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Steps:

• Wash zucchini, and put in a pot of cold water (do not remove ends).
• Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes, maybe a little longer depending on the size of your zucchini.
• Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a fairly large skillet.
• Saute garlic first, then add onions, green pepper, thyme, and oregano.
• When the veggies begin to soften, add ground meat (or whatever you are using), season with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through.
• Drain off any excess grease.
• Set aside to cool slightly.
• When the zucchini have cooked through, remove from water, and allow to cool enough to handle.
• Slice cooled zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out center, leaving a little veggie flesh to form a"boat.
• "Mix ground meat mixture with the red peppers, and the scooped out zucchini (chopped), and the egg.
• Fill the zucchini boats with the mixture, and top each with a slice of cheese.
• Bake in a 375ºF oven for 20-30 minutes, until heated through, and cheese begins to bubble and brown.
• Serve hot.
• Note: If making this dish with tuna or fish, I like to add a little mayo or garlic mayo, and substitute the raw egg for a hard boiled and chopped one.