Caprese-Stuffed Zucchini

I just love the summer months and all of the fresh vegetables we have available to us! We are very lucky to have so many farmers that share their harvest with us! This is a great appetizer needing only a few fresh ingredients!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 138 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• sea salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise and seeded
• extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
• 2 (1/2 inch thick) slices eggplant
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, divided
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Season zucchini with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the zucchini halves.

Step 3

Bake zucchini in preheated oven until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove to a platter to cool; cut into 2-inch segments, keeping them together to resemble intact halves.

Step 4

Season eggplant slices on both sides with salt and pepper; arrange onto the baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake eggplant for 15 minutes, flip, and continue baking until browned, 15 to 20 minutes more; remove to a cutting board and let cool slightly.

Step 6

Remove and discard skin from eggplant. Chop eggplant flesh and transfer to a large mixing bowl; add tomatoes and garlic.

Step 7

Chop 3/4 cup basil leaves; add to eggplant mixture and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over the mixture; toss to coat. Spoon the mixture onto the zucchini halves. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and more olive oil over the stuffed zucchini. Tear remaining basil leaves and sprinkle over the zucchinis.