Baked Zucchini with Feta (Fırında Peynirli Kabak)


























Except for white cheese that's used to stuff zucchini halves, this recipe doesn't seem very Turkish or very authentic Turkish. However, I've never had this dish anywhere other than in Turkey. My mom and I usually had this kind of zucchini and baked zucchini as light summer lunches, yet I have seen it served to impress guests at parties numerous times.

























4 small-medium zucchinis
1/2 cup white cheese or feta
1/4 cup mozzarella or cheddar, grated
1 egg
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped or 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1/4 or 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp black pepper
red pepper flakes
salt (depending on feta you are using)
olive oil, approximately 1 tbsp or less


-Wash zucchinis and boil them until tender but firm. Let cool down.
-Cut them in halves lengthwise to make boats. Scoop out the seedy part and save half of it to use for stuffing.
-In a bowl, mix egg, feta, mozzarella or cheddar, dill parsley, black pepper, and half of the seedy part of zucchinis until creamy.
-Load zucchini boats with the stuffing.
-Sprinkle a couple of drops of olive oil and red pepper flakes on each.
-Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese melts. Then broil for a couple of minutes to have a crispy top.
-Serve hot.