Lentil filled zucchini boats

This is a yummy vegetarian dish which looks great, and is super easy to make!  It can either be used as a side dish, or a main (depending on how many you make!).

What are the health benefits of lentils?

• Good source of protein (particularly for vegetarians or vegans)
• Help to stabilise blood sugar levels
• Good source of insoluble fibre to prevent constipation
• Helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels
• Assists with weight loss as they are low in calories and high in fibre

Recipe: Lentil filled zucchini boats

(Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

Ingredients:

• 4 large zucchini’s
• extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 can brown lentils
• 1/2 red onion – finely diced
• 4 small red tomatoes (or 2 large tomatoes) – diced
• small handful of spinach leaves – finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Method:

• Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C
• Cut Zucchini’s in half lengthways and scoop out middle (to make a crevice for lentil mixture)
• Place zucchini’s on baking tray lined with baking paper and drizzle with olive oil
• Cook in oven for approximately 20 minutes (or until zucchini is soft)
• Meanwhile, cook diced red onions in fry pan with some olive oil for approximately 5 minutes
• Drain lentils and wash under water thoroughly (to get rid of all bubbly gas that is produced)
• Add diced red tomatoes, lentils and spinach leaves to onions and cook for another few minutes
• Add cumin powder and sea salt (adjust seasoning to taste)
• Fill zucchini with lentil mixture, and top with grated cheese
• bake in oven again for approximately 4-5 minutes (or until cheese is melted)