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Ingredients

6-8 servings

For the Stuffed Zucchini

  • 15-18 small Italian zucchini or 9 green zucchini 
  • ½ cup short grain rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 pound ground beef 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 1 teaspoon baharat 
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2½ teaspoons kosher salt

For the Sauce

  • ⅓ cup dried apricots
  • ⅓ cup pitted prunes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste 
  • 2-3 tablespoons tamarind paste 
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-2 teaspoon sugar 
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon chicken consommé powder, optional
  • 1 cup water, plus more as needed
Main CoursesMeat EasySukkotMiddle EastRice and Grains

Preparation

Step 1

Trim the edges of the zucchini. If using green zucchini, cut them in half crosswise. 

Step 2

Using a zucchini or apple corer, carefully hollow out the inside of the zucchini until the edges are about ¼ inch thick. Save the zucchini pulp for another dish, like zucchini bread or sautéd zucchini.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the rice, ground beef, oil, baharat, black pepper, and salt. Knead until well combined.

Step 4

Using your hands, fill each zucchini about 90% full with the meat-rice mixture. Do not pack the filling tightly, as the rice will expand during cooking.

Step 5

Arrange the stuffed zucchini, dried apricots, and prunes in a braiser or saute pan.

Step 6

In a bowl, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients. Pour the mixture over the zucchini, adding more water as needed to cover most of the zucchini.

Step 7

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid or a round piece of parchment paper, and cook for 45–50 minutes. Halfway through cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Baste the zucchini with the sauce occasionally.

Step 8

Turn the oven to broil. Remove the lid or parchment and broil the zucchini for 7–10 minutes, until nicely browned. Serve warm.